My Favorite Peach Cobbler

Confession.

I am having a major case of writers block right now.

I keep staring at this picture of sweet, warm, peach cobbler and all witty and inspiring thoughts are replaced with the desire to lick the screen. So far, I have resisted.Generally, cobblers have a biscuit or scone like topping on them, but many versions, including those seen here in the South, are topped with more of a batter.  My recipe is kind of a cross between the two.  I don’t like my topping to be hard like a biscuit, but I don’t want it cake-like either. This is a good balance that ends up wonderfully thick and crisp, but not heavy.  It is also fantastically easy to make and doesn’t require anything more complicated than just mixing.  SCORE!

But greatness (or great recipes) are not without their complications! My biggest issue with this treat was getting the underside of the topping completely cooked.  It kept turning out gooey and doughy and the edges would be too dark.  NOT good eats.  But after dozens and dozens of cobblers over years and years of baking, I fixed it. Now, easily one of my favorite desserts to make, this cobbler is perfectly delightful.  The fact that peaches are in season right now just happens to make this even better.  Take advantage of it, people!

Yes, you can make this with pears or plums, but anything firmer-say, apples- wouldn’t quite work.  The fruit wouldn’t be cooked in the time the topping was baked.  Stick to juicy stone fruits, but feel free to stir in a bit of berries to give it some variation. As for me, I like it classic. Classic and peachy.  Peachy and juicy.  Juicy and sweet.The BEST Peach Cobbler
I have no idea if cinnamon is a classic cobbler ingredient, but my Mom taught me to ALWAYS put a bit of cinnamon with peaches.  And so I do! Because she was right.  The warm spice isn’t overpowering or even really noticeable.  It just pairs so well here you won’t want to leave it out!

Filling:
8 large ripe peaches, cored and cut into 8ths
1/4 c flour
1/4 c sugar
1 tsp cinnamon

Topping:
1 c flour
2 T cornmeal
1 c sugar
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
large pinch of salt
4 T (1/2 of a stick or 1/4 c) of room temp butter
2 eggs

Preheat the oven to 375.  Spray or butter a large, 9X13 glass baking dish.  In a large bowl, gently mix the filling ingredients, tossing until mixed and evenly coated.  The juices of the fruit will help it all coat. Dump into prepared baking dish and snuggle all the fruit down until its even.  In the same bowl, mix the dry ingredients of the topping together.  Add the butter and eggs and mix with a spoon until smooth and it forms a stiff batter.  Drop by large dollops all over the top of the fruit, spreading a bit to cover as much area as you can.  The batter will spread and cover wonderfully as it bakes!  If desired, sprinkle a tablespoon of granulated sugar over the top, just to give it a bit of sparkle!

Place in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until evenly golden brown and bubbly in the center. Remove and let cook for at least a half an hour so that the filling sets a bit.  Too hot makes for a messy cobbler on your plate (not a bad thing, just not as easy to serve).  Serve warm, room temp, or even cold.  Vanilla ice cream on the side is always a good thing.