Peach Cobbler

Do you own a copy of the Silver Palate?  This is a serious question!  If you don't, put it on your wish list, order from Amazon, or at least check it out of the library.  I have not made a single recipe from it that disappointed me.  It is true American fare.  

A dear friend and her family recently visited.  They came bearing gifts.  A basket brimming with peaches and a plant.  As soon as I laid eyes on that basket, I knew I was going to make a cobbler.  I opened my copy of the Silver Palate first.  They have a recipe, done!

It was so good.  The lemon zest and almond extract add a layer of flavor that enhances the peaches beautifully.  I didn't serve it with whipped cream and honestly I didn't miss it.  The cobbler stands alone so well!

Peach Cobbler

adapted from the Silver Palate

8 cups of peaches, peeled and sliced

11/3 cup of sugar plus 4 TBS

2 tsp of lemon zest

Juice of one lemon

3/4 tsp of almond extract

3 cups of flour

2 TBS of baking powder

1 tsp of salt

2/3 cup of shortening

2 eggs, slightly beaten

1/2 cup of low-fat milk

Place the peaches in a greased 9"x13" baking dish.  In a small bowl, combine the 1 1/3cup of sugar, lemon zest, lemon juice, and almond extract.  Sprinkle this over the peaches.  Bake at 400degrees for 20minutes.  In the bowl of a mixer, combine the flour, 2 TBS of sugar, baking powder, and salt.  Add the shortening and combine until the mixture looks like cornmeal.  Add in the eggs and milk.  Stir until just combined.  Once the peaches are done, remove from the oven and drop the dough by large spoonfuls over the peaches.  Sprinkle the remaining 2 TBS of sugar over the top.  Bake for 25 minutes or until golden brown.  Serve warm and enjoy!