Not exactly apple pie

Tomorrow is the 4th of July.  What a wonderful day to be thankful and celebrate all things American!!

If you're having a picnic or firing up the grill (again), here's a dessert suggestion that you will LOVE if you're a fan of peach cobbler...I know, not the all-American apple pie, but it's super easy to make, foolproof in fact, and is absolutely delicious!!

While the origin of the apple is unknown, some scholars believe the first cultivated apple trees were in Rome.  The peach is believed to have its origin in China or Persia.  There are hundreds of types of apples and only 2 types of peaches.  Cobbler, however, quite possibly began in the British American colonies.  Stewed fruit was covered with scone or biscuit dough and once cooked, reminded the colonists of cobbled streets.  Ahhhh...so this is an American dessert!!

We are supposed to have the most delicious peaches in the world here in Georgia, so I am making peach cobbler for the holiday.  I have used this recipe for more than 25 years and haven't changed a single step or ingredient.  A friend brought dinner over for Mike and me after our daughter was born and she was gracious enough to share her "secret" to the perfect cobbler.

Peach Cobbler

Sift together 3/4 cup flour, 2 teaspoons baking powder and a pinch of salt.

Whisk in 1 cup sugar.

Preheat the oven to 350.  Put one stick of butter in a baking dish (almost any size will do...I use an oval dish that's about 8" x 12") and put it in the oven so the butter will melt.

While the butter is melting, peel and slice 2 cups of peaches.  Set aside.  Mix 3/4 cup milk into the flour mixture.  When the butter has melted, take the baking dish out of the oven and pour the batter over the melted butter...do not stir!  The edges of the batter will start to curl...it's already baking!

Add the 2 cups of sliced peaches on top of the
batter...do not stir!!  Put the dish back into the oven.  Bake for an hour or until the crust is golden brown.

I like my crust to get brown so that it's a little crunchy.  The photo below shows the inside of the cobbler where it's warm and buttery.  Though there is rarely any leftover, it is yummy when it's cold too.  I promise, it won't stay in the fridge for long!

Add vanilla ice cream if you dare!!

While I was in the kitchen making cobbler, my curious cat joined in the festivities.  He kept jumping up on the table, trying to get in on the photo shoot.  I thought you might like seeing a picture of him.  Simon is the friendliest, sweetest cat I know.  He doesn't particularly like peach cobbler (good, that's more for me!) but he is all about attention.

Have a safe and happy 4th of July!  Thanks to all those who serve our country.  God bless!!