This easy cherry cobbler recipe is a family favorite! But an even better favorite is our family history tradition that goes along with it. I love family history! It is seriously amazing that by reading and learning more about your family you can feel closer to them. And not just the family you have met here on earth. For years I have taken my family down to our local family history center to read through names and micro film and documents to assemble our family tree. The connection you feel is truly powerful.
And as much as I love learning about my kindred dead, I also love connecting my children to our ancestors. It’s not enough to learn about them. The scripture in Malaci talks about the hearts of the children being turned to their fathers. Seeing pictures and hearing stories really help me feel connected. And I love sharing these things with my children. One of their favorite family history traditions is when we celebrate their great grandparents.
Years ago I was inspired to start a new tradition where we could remember our grandparents by making their favorite dessert on their birthday. The kids love it! Who wouldn’t want more dessert? We also spend time together talking and sharing stories and experiences with them. I quiz them about what branch of service they served in or where they were born. It’s a fun and easy way to connect with family members.
My husband’s grandpa loved cherry cobbler! He passed away when my oldest was under a year. I know it means a lot to him as we strive to remember him on his birthday. I’m sure it warms his heart that his great grandchildren are trying to learn about his life and sharing a treat he loved. Learning about family history also helps children become more grounded and have higher self esteem. When they see trials their ancestors overcame they know that they too can do hard things.
- 2 cans of Cherry Pie Filling (I usually put an extra can or two because my family
- really likes the thicker filling)
- 2/3 cup of water
- 1 Yellow Cake Mix (any kind, or even white)
- 1/2 c melted butter (not margarine)
- 1/4 c of brown sugar
- 1/4 c oats
- optional: 1 1/2 c chopped pecans
- Pour Cherry Pie Filling into a buttered pan (9 x 13).
- Pour the water over the pie filling.
- Sift the cake mix over the top of filling and water.
- Pour the melted butter over all.
- Cover with the oats and sugar.
- Bake for approx. 45 minutes at 350 degrees.
- Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
- Sometimes I'll half this recipe and put it in a 8x8 pan. Well I just half the cherries and cake mix. The other ingredients stay the same.
Pictured above is that special day when we were able to go to the temple as a family and seal my husband’s grandparents to each other forever. I believe that marriage can be eternal. That is why temples are so important. Because they enable family relationships perpetuate beyond the grave. I love Jack dearly and look forward to seeing him again someday. I know that if I invest time and teach my sons and daughter about him they will will know him and will gain strength from his good life. I am sure he is looking out for them. And his heart of full as he sees his posterity remember him.
