August 15 -Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Fruit and Herb Cobbler
Noon Prayer at the Harvest, Theodor Christoph Schüz (1830–1900)
There is a tradition in the Church of planting a Marian Garden in early May to celebrate the Blessed Virgin. On August 15th, the Church celebrates the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, three months after the planting of the Marian Garden. The Assumption is that day we celebrate that Mary’s body and soul were taken into heaven.
There is a tradition from Germanic countries beginning around the 8th century of blessing fruits and herbs during the late summertime in thanksgiving for a bountiful harvest. It would eventually come to be associated with the Feast of the Assumption itself. Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI describes Mary as “the first fruits of the new humanity.” So on this day, in thanksgiving for the Blessed Mother, the fruit of her womb, and a bountiful harvest, the blessing of fruits and herbs takes place on this feast each year. Here is a Fruit and Herb Cobbler recipe to help celebrate the Holy Day of the Assumption!
Ingredients
1 ½ Cups fresh or frozen peach slices
1 ½ cups fresh or frozen blueberries
½ cup sugar divided
½ cup butter
1 ½ cups AP Flour
2 ¼ tsp baking powder
½ tsp salt
1 ¼ cups milk
1 tsp vanilla
2 tbs fresh cut basil
2 tbs fresh cut Tarragon
Instructions
Step 1- Peel and slice peaches, place in bowl and top with ¼ cup sugar. Mix gently and rest for 30 minutes. Step 2 – Preheat Oven to 350 decrees F. Step 3- Melt butter and pour into 9x13 baking dish. Step 4- In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking powder, salt, and remaining sugar. Then whisk in milk and vanilla. Step 5 – Pour batter evenly over melted butter, do not stir. Step 6- Mix basil and tarragon into fruit mixture, then pour over the batter. Again, do not stir. Step 7- bake for 40-45 minutes until golden brown. Let cool for 15 minutes before serving.