It's hard to talk about peach cobbler and not talk about the American south along the Gullah Geechee corridor. I love to stop and get fresh peaches from small vendors whenever I'm driving through Georgia. I remember doing just that when I was guest lecturing at Savannah State University. After my lecture, I took the small basket of peaches which I had purchased and started thinking of simple ways to create great flavor. Check out this recipe and tell me what you think.
Ingredients:
For the Filling:
1. 6-8 fresh peaches, peeled and sliced (about 6 cups)
2. 1/4 cup sugar (adjust based on the sweetness of the peaches)
3. 1/4 cup brown sugar
4. 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
5. 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
6. 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
7. 2 teaspoons cornstarch
For the Buttermilk Biscuit Topping:
1. 1 cup all-purpose flour
2. 1/4 cup sugar
3. 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
4. 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
5. 1/4 teaspoon salt
6. 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces
7. 1/3 cup buttermilk
8. Optional: 1-2 tablespoons of buttermilk or cream, for brushing on top
9. Optional: Coarse sugar, for sprinkling on top
Instructions
Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Prepare the Filling:
• In a large bowl, combine the sliced peaches, sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and cornstarch. Toss to coat evenly.
• Pour the peach mixture into a baking dish (around 9x9 inches or similar).
3. Make the Biscuit Topping:
• In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
• Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
• Gradually add the buttermilk and stir just until the dough comes together. Be careful not to overmix.
4. Assemble the Cobbler:
• Drop spoonfuls of the biscuit dough over the peach filling. It’s okay if there are gaps; the dough will expand as it bakes.
• If desired, brush the top of the biscuit dough with a little buttermilk or cream and sprinkle with coarse sugar for a nice finish.
5. Bake the Cobbler:
• Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and the peaches are bubbling.
6. Cool and serve
Let the cobbler cool for a few minutes before serving.