A Taste of Summer

We are getting to that part of winter where it is really hard to wait for the thaw. We've been teased by a couple of nice days and then been plunged back into despair by late season blizzards and deceptively cold sunshine.  And, well, that's just life in Minnesota, really. 

On Monday, I was definitely longing for fresh breezes, green grass, and a taste of summer.  I decided that the perfect antidote would be peach cobbler.  With ice cream.  Mmmmm.  So, I used my recipe for "The Best Peach Cobbler Ever" and served it as our treat for girls group on Monday night.  It was greatly appreciated by all. 

Here's the recipe  (serves 8-10):
4 cups sliced peaches (I used frozen this time, but fresh are amazing!)
2 cups sugar; divided
1/2 cup water
8 tbs. butter (one stick)
1 1/2 cups  self-rising flour
1 1/2 cups milk
1/2 tsp vanilla
Cinnamon

Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees.

In a large pot, combine peaches, 1 cup of sugar, and the water.  Stir to combine and then bring it to a boil.  Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.

In a 9x13" pan, cut butter into pieces and then stick it into the oven for a couple of minutes to melt the butter.

In a separate bowl, mix 1 cup sugar, self-rising flour, milk, and vanilla.  Stir until combined, then pour into the 9x13" pan with the melted butter.  Next, carefully spoon peaches on top of the batter.  Then, gently pour on all the syrup from the peaches. (It will look soupy---that's okay!  The batter bakes up over the top of all the syrup and peaches.)  Sprinkle the top with cinnamon.

Bake for 30-45 minutes until nice a golden.

Serve with ice cream. (It's best that way).  You can also make this recipe with blueberries or mixed berries.  I think the recipe was from the Food Network Recipe by Paula Deen.  Paula Deen's Peach Cobbler.  I did add the vanilla, and have made it with other fruits though.