Peach Crumb Bars

I’ve been on a fruit kick lately. I bought a ton of peaches and apples from the grocery store this weekend, and then remembered I was going out of town this weekend, so I need to use them. The apple crumb bars last weekend were a huge hit, so I figured I’d just adapt that recipe with the bowl of peaches that I bought. Plus my mom sent me a pastry blender last week which I was very excited to use. These bars are delicious because they taste just like peach cobbler. I have very good memories of peach cobbler. First, every month or so I meet my Grandpa down at the casino in Connecticut … usually on a Sunday morning very early in the morning, to play the slots and Grandpa’s favorite… eat at the buffet. Always early bird special, and always get some good cobbler. The other place that has the best cobbler is in Disney World at the Beach Club Resort Cape May Cafe. I’ve been to Disney over 30 times (I’m not 30) and could probably have a side job as a Disney vacation planner. Anyways, with the rainy weather today, this cobbler was a nice warm treat that made my apartment smell cinnamony and very fall-like.

Ingredients:

Peach Filling:

• 5 peaches, peeled and diced
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg

Dough:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
• 1 egg, lightly beaten
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Cinnamon and sugar-for sprinkling on top of the bars

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Spray a 9×13 baking dish with cooking spray.

Step 2: To make the peach filling, put the diced peaches in a large bowl and sprinkle with fresh lemon juice. Toss gently to make sure they are lightly coated. I wish my mom was here to help me peel the peaches. I hate that part. In a separate bowl, mix together flour, cornstarch, sugar, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Pour over the peaches and toss gently until well coated.

Step 3: To make the dough, in a large bowl mix together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Using a pastry blender (which I now own, thanks Mom) cut in the butter. You will still have small chunks of butter.

Step 4: In a separate bowl, mix together the vanilla and lightly beaten egg. Add it into the flour and butter mixture and combine. The dough will be crumbly. Put half of the dough into the baking dish, and press down with your hands.

Step 5: Spread the peach mixture evenly over the dough. Crumble the remaining dough over the peaches and sprinkle the top with some cinnamon and sugar. Bake at 375 degrees for 45 minutes.