National Cherry Cobbler Day celebrates the cherry dessert which was created to allow pioneer travelers to enjoy dessert while on the road. The unofficial food holiday is celebrated in the United States on May 17 each year.http://www.statesymbolsusa.org/National_Symbols/American_Hollidays.html

A cobble can be made with different fruit fillings. Some of the fillings that are used the most are cherry, apple, blueberry, plum and peach. Fruits used in the recipe can be fresh, canned or dried.http://www.foodtimeline.org/foodpies.html#cobbler

A cherry cobbler uses cherry fruit with sugar for sweetening and a dough on top. Some cobblers have a crust lining the pan. The bottom dough may be strips of dough. The top dough of a cobbler may be a drop biscuit dough. Cobblers may be prepared in individual serving tins or as a dessert dish to serve a group.http://allrecipes.com//Recipes/desserts/cobbler-recipes/Main.aspx

National Cherry Cobbler Day’s history is unknown but the cobbler has a long history. Cobblers originated in the west as pioneers traveled across the country in the 19th century. With no baking capabilities while traveling, the groups had to devise ways to cook the dishes they enjoyed in Dutch ovens over campfires.http://www.foodtimeline.org/foodpies.html#cobbler Cobblers were the Dutch oven version of an oven baked pie. Where the dish got its name is not certain but it is possible it comes from the look the dough provided which is similar to cobblestones.http://www.ochef.com/372.htm It looks similar to cobblestones because the dough is dropped by spoonfuls on top of the fruit and it has a rough appearance. The original dish was a thick crust with a fruit filling.http://www.foodtimeline.org/foodpies.html#cobbler

In celebration of National Cherry Cobbler Day, check local restaurants and bakeries for possible dessert discounts or coupons for free products. Cherry cobblers may be purchased from bakeries or local groceries for enjoying with friends or family. A homemade cobbler can be made for dinner. For families with school age children, the day can be used to discuss the travels of the pioneers in history and teach how to make a cobbler crust. Cherry cobbler can be topped with ice cream or whipped topping for a special treat.