Blackberry-Lemon Whoppie Pies

Local produce stands and farmers' markets are over flowing with fresh vegetables and fruit. Pap and I have a favorite place where we purchase the best blackberries. Let me tell you, they are something to behold, huge dark and delicious. I couldn't resist. So I bought a whole flat. In fact I might go back and buy another because I love having them in the freezer to enjoy all winter.

If you love blackberries, you must try this wonderful whoppie pie recipe.

Ingredients:
1/2 cup (1 stick)butter, room temperature
1 cup plus 3 tablespoons light-brown sugar
1 tablespoon grated lemon zest
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 large egg
2-1/4 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon coarse salt
1 cup whole milk
3/4 cup heavy cream
1 cup fresh blackberries

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, beat butter, 1 cup brown sugar, and lemon zest until light and creamy. Add vanilla and egg and beat to combine, scraping down bowl as needed. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. With mixer on low, beat in flour mixture in 3 additions, alternating with milk and ending with flour mixture (scrape bowl as needed.) Beat well to combine.

2. Drop batter in 2-tablespoon mounds about 2 inches apart, onto two parchment lined baking sheets. Bake until puffed and pale golden around edges, 17 to 19 minutes, rotating sheets halfway through. Let cakes cool completely on sheets on wire racks.

3. In a large bowl, whip cream and 3 tablespoons brown sugar to soft peaks. In a small bowl, mash blackberries with a fork, then fold into whipped cream. Divide blackberry cream evenly among bottom of half the cake, then sandwich with remaining cakes.