It’s officially summertime, and in Georgia, that can only mean one thing: It’s HOT y’all!
Well, two things: Peaches are also ripe for the pickin’. The familiar taste of a ripe, sweet Georgia peach is the ultimate flavor of summertime. Nothing beats biting into the fuzzy, soft fruit and hearing the sound of the peel break, while the juices run down your chin.
Driving down country roads and coming across farm stands with big signs advertising peaches make my heart skip a beat. The good news is we don’t have to drive far to reap the benefits of the season’s harvest. I frequent the farmers market, and the peaches are abundant. Something about buying local makes your food taste even better — and there’s no time like the present! Peaches are in season through August.
One of my favorite desserts to bake this time of year is my triple B peach cobbler. Brown butter, bourbon and cinnamon sugar take this classic dessert to the next level! Serve it with fresh, sweetened whipped cream or some cold vanilla ice cream and fresh mint for a real summer treat.
Brown butter has a deeper, rich, more intense flavor than melted butter, and boasts a nutty, toasted flavor that enhances baked goods and other dishes. You’ll love it. If you’d prefer to skip the bourbon or don’t have any on hand, use water instead. This cobbler is a celebration of summertime, and has a chewy texture, much like a blonde brownie. Take it easy!
Brown Butter Bourbon Peach Cobbler
Yields 8-10 Servings
Ingredients:
● 5 cups peeled, sliced peaches (about 5 peaches)
● 2 cups sugar, divided
● 1/2 cup bourbon, such as Jim Beam
● 8 tablespoons unsalted butter, plus 2 tablespoons for dotting
● 1 1/2 cups self-rising flour
● 1 1/2 cups milk
● 2 tablespoons cinnamon
● Fresh mint
● Cinnamon sugar for sprinkling
Directions:
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. In a large pot fitted with a lid, bring to a boil 1 cup of sugar, the peaches and bourbon. Let boil for 10 minutes. Place 1 stick of butter in the casserole dish, and place in the oven for 10 minutes until melted and browned. Meanwhile, whisk together the remaining cup of sugar, flour, milk and cinnamon until combined.
Once butter is browned, remove the pan from the oven. Pour mixture over the butter, but do not stir. Spoon fruit over the batter evenly. Sprinkle with cinnamon sugar and dot with butter. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes or until center is set. You will know it’s done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. To serve, place a heaping scoop of peach cobbler in a bowl with cold ice cream or fresh whipped cream and garnish with mint. Sprinkle with more cinnamon sugar to finish. Enjoy!