FILLING:

6 c. blackberries
1/2 c. sugar
2 tbsp. cornstarch
1 tbsp. cinnamon
2 tbsp. fresh lemon juice
1/4 c. butter

TOPPING:

1/2 c. butter, softened
1 c. sugar
2 c. flour
4 tbsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
1 c. milk

Toss berries with remaining filling ingredients except butter. Place in a wide casserole dish (comparable to an 11"x7" glass dish). Dot with butter.

To mix pastry, beat butter. Add sugar and beat well. Add remaining ingredients beating until just combined. Drop pastry dough on top of blackberries. Sprinkle with sugar, if desired and bake for 40 minutes at 350 degrees. Pastry should be golden brown (length of cooking depends on whether you're using fresh or frozen berries, pastry takes longer to bake on cold berries). Serves 8. Serve with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream if desired.