Peach Cobbler

I’m not from the South, so by no means am I going to attempt to nostalgically reminisce about the delightful memories of coming home from school, with the scent of this peachy dessert wafting through the air as it cools on the the sill…
What I can say is: the peach is one of my favorite summer fruits.  It has a great texture, and its mild sweetness appeals to a broad range of palates.  Building a cobbler is simple and satisfying.  It conveys your good intentions without requiring the finesse of cake-making.  And the best thing about it?  The customary scoop of ice-cream that goes with it!

3 cups sliced peaches (1/4″ thickness)
1 cup sugar, divided
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1/4 cup water
zest of 1 lemon
1 cup flour
1 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1 cup milk
4 tablespoons butter, melted

Prep Tip:  Place the peaches into boiling water for 30-60 seconds, then cool.  The skins will now easily peel off!

1.  Preheat the oven to 350F.  In a medium saucepan, dissolve 1/2 cup sugar and the brown sugar into the water.  Stir in the sliced peaches and lemon zest, bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
2.  In a large bowl, sift together 1/2 cup sugar, the flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.  Whisk in the milk until the batter is just combined and smooth.
3.  Melt the butter and spread it evenly into a 10″ round (or 9″ square) baking dish.  Build the cobbler by evenly pouring the batter over the butter, then spooning the peaches on top.  DO NOT mix the cobbler together.  The batter will rise through the peaches as it bakes.  Bake at 350F for 35 – 45 minutes until golden brown on top and crisp at the edges.
4.  Wasn’t that easy?  Now go eat!

*  Use ripe peaches.  Smell them: they should smell peachy!  Squeeze them: they should be firm but soft.
*  Peaches not in season?  Use canned peaches instead.
*  Don’t like peaches?  Use blueberries, apples, apricots, raspberries… any fruit your heart desires!