Minister’s Delight

Instructions

1. Prep the Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the stick of butter in a 9×9 inch baking dish (or a similar deep casserole dish) and put it in the oven while it preheats to melt the butter.

2. Mix the Batter: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, 1 cup of sugar, and baking powder. Slowly whisk in the milk and vanilla extract until the batter is smooth.

3. The Assembly: Remove the hot pan from the oven. Pour the batter directly over the melted butter.

   Crucial Rule: Do not stir! Just let the batter sit on top of the butter.

4. Add the “Delight”: Evenly scatter the cherries over the top of the batter. Again, do not stir. As it bakes, the batter will rise up and envelop the fruit.

5. The Finishing Touch: Sprinkle an extra tablespoon of sugar over the top to create that glistening, crunchy crust seen in your photo.

6. Bake: Bake for 45–55 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are slightly crisp.

Pro-Tips for Divine Results

• The “Sizzle”: If you want those extra-crispy edges, make sure the butter is slightly browned before you pour the batter in.

• Serving: This is best served warm with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of cold heavy cream to balance the tartness of the cherries.