Peaches could possibly be the most delicious summer fruit, and it is a must-eat for anyone living in or traveling to the southeast United States. There is not much that peaches do not go with when it comes to summer cooking. The fresh, sweet fruit can be added to tea, ice cream, pancakes, French toast, pork, chicken, and more. Even so, the two items that most know the peach for is a peach cobbler and peach compote.
Peach Cobbler
Peach Cobbler is an easy summer dessert, perfect for a fourth of July celebration. After all, not much is more traditionally southern and American as peach cobbler. The cobbler is a traditional American dish, dating back to the early settlers who were looking to make what they could be using the fruits available to them. Thank God for their adaptation, because it gave us peach cobbler.
Ingredients
- 6-8 peeled and sliced ripe peaches
- 1 stick butter, cut in half
- 1 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 cup self-rising flour
- 3/4-1 cup milk or buttermilk (if using buttermilk, add 1/2 cup extra sugar to the ingredients if desiring more sweetness)
Directions
Preheat oven to 350°.
Melt 1/2 stick of butter in a 13×9 rectangular baking pan or 9×9 square dish.
Peel 6-8 peaches and slice. Place the slices in rows, touching, on the bottom of the pan.
Sprinkle 1/4-1/2 cup sugar over the peaches, and place in oven for 15-20 minutes.
Mix 1 cup sugar, milk, and self-rising flour in a mixing bowl. The mix should be somewhat liquidy. If needed add more milk.
Cut the remaining butter in four pieces and place on top of the peaches. Pour the liquid mix on top, spread using a spatula to even out, and cook for 40 minutes.
After 40 minutes, pull out the cobbler and sprinkle sugar on top. Let cool for 5-10 minutes and dig in!
This dish is traditionally served with ice cream. However, this cobbler is perfect by itself. It is also a fun dish to use for an autumn dessert, and that will be in another article.
Peach Compote
Peach compote is what some would consider a type of sauce. It is a syrup that can be used on top of breakfast items such as French toast, ice cream, or even juicy pork chops. Not to mention, it’s pretty good by itself.
Ingredients
- 4-6 peaches, peeled and cut into wedges or squares
- 3-4 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon nutmeg
- 3 tablespoons water
- 3 tablespoons apple juice or cider
- 1-2 sticks cinnamon
Directions
Combine all ingredients in a saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a simmer and turn the heat to low (stir). Cover for 5 minutes (stirring every 2 minutes) and simmer. Uncover. The mix should be syrupy. Spoon out the cinnamon stick or sticks, stir in 1 tablespoon butter and sugar, and serve over ice cream, pound cake, angel food cake, or pancakes.
Both of these recipes are perfect for summer and the start of fall. These are both perfect for any gathering and will have guests coming back for seconds, thirds, and more.
