Easy Cinnamon Peach Cobbler (Family Sized)

Yum

We are hosting a huge summer bash in a couple of weeks for a bunch of friends and I've been researching and testing recipes.  The key is that they must feed a crowd but be simple to make.

Today is all about dessert!  I've been digging through our old family recipes again and came up with my version of a classic.  If you want a super easy and quick dessert to make look no further than this Easy Cinnamon Peach Cobbler.  I made this particular one family sized in an 8x8 pan for testing purposes, but just double the ingredients and place in a 9x13 pan for one that will feed a crowd.

There's nothing better than this southern dessert during the summer, especially when peaches are in season!  Oh! fresh peaches are the BEST!  We just picked up some delicious peaches that promised to be a 12 on the flavor scale (0-15, 15 being sweetest) and they sure were.  Juicy and sweet.  So make sure to use fresh ones if you can find good ones.  If not then frozen will work perfectly.

This is a cobbler that is cakey, instead of a biscuit topping or a pie crust.  You make a batter and pour it in the pan, then add the peaches on top.  The peaches sink down and the cake rises around the peaches to create a cake like cobbler. Yum!  I also added some cinnamon to the peaches to give it a little homey flavor which I adore.  Leave it out if you prefer just plain peaches.  This is excellent in taste, and couldn't be 

Bring a little South to your menu and enjoy this Easy Cinnamon Peach Cobbler (Family Sized) with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.  It can't be beat!

Enjoy!




Easy Cinnamon Peach Cobbler (Family Sized)

serves 6

1/4 cup butter

1 1lb. fresh or frozen peaches peeled and sliced

1 tsp. cinnamon
3/4 cups sugar, divided
3/4 cups self-rising flour
3/4 cups milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract 

Add butter to a 8x8 baking dish and place into the oven as it preheats to 375º F to melt.

To a small bowl add peaches and 1/4 sugar.  Stir to combine.  Set aside.

In a medium bowl add remaining sugar, self-rising flour,  milk, and vanilla. Whisk until well combined.  Remove pan from oven and pour batter on top of the melted butter.  Top with the peaches and their juices.  Do not stir.

Bake until the cobbler is golden brown, about 35 minutes. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Picnic in the Park: Banana Pudding Jars

Yum

I hope everyone is enjoying the May weather.  We sure are!

Spring has sprung and it's been hot one day and cool the next.  We've also got some Grey May going on here in the mornings.  Not to worry, it burns off by afternoon and then the sun is shining and everyone is outdoors enjoying the cool weather until our scorching summer comes along.

Today we are continuing with our Picnic in the Park theme.  I love picnics don't you?  It's such a great way to enjoy nature, family, and friends....oh and let's not forget the food.  The other day I showed you how to make a great Mediterranean Chicken wrap with some delicious grilled chicken.

Today we are talking desserts.  Oh yea!

Now I always find it hard to take along a good dessert to a picnic or concert in the park.  Since I gravitate toward ice cream, that would end up in a melted mess, so that's out.  So I develop my desserts around the container...mason jars! MASON JARS are the perfect solution for so many toteable things.  Things like salads both green and pasta salads are perfect in jars.  How about drinks? Another winner, and there's no spillage with the lid on!  So of course desserts are also perfect in jars.

Mason jars are hearty, and roomy.  I've even baked the dessert in them, like with my Peach Raspberry Crisps.  I've also used them for my Take Along Smore's.

Today I'm thinking "southern" dessert, and Banana Pudding in mason jars is calling me.  Listen carefully...hear that?  It's calling you too. Seriously, you need to make these sweet little desserts and take them somewhere!  now!  Kids love that wonderful flavor and the vanilla wafers that turn into cakey goodness...HEAVEN!  

This is something that the whole family will enjoy!




Banana Pudding Jars


Servings: 6


For the Pudding:
3/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup + 2 tablespoons cornstarch
Heaping 1/4 teaspoon salt
6 egg yolks
3-1/2 cups whole milk
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 tablespoon vanilla extract

For Assembling:
3 medium bananas, ripe, and sliced
1 box Vanilla Wafers
6 Pint size Mason Jars

In a medium saucepan, stir together the sugar, cornstarch, salt and yolks. Whisk in the milk and bring to simmer, stirring frequently, over medium heat 5-8 minutes. When the mixture starts to bubble, turn the heat down to low and continue cooking, whisking constantly, for 1-2 minutes until the mixture thickens. Remove the pan from the heat and immediately whisk in the butter and vanilla.

Transfer the mixture to a bowl and place a piece of plastic wrap or waxed paper directly on the pudding to prevent a film from forming. Chill in the refrigerator until cool about 2 hours.

To assemble, place one vanilla wafer in the bottom of each mason jar.  This will create a cake layer on the bottom. Spoon a large dollop of pudding on top. Add a layer of vanilla wafers standing up against the sides of the glasses around the circumference of the jar. Layer on some sliced bananas on top of the pudding. Add another layer of pudding and bananas.  Top with crushed vanilla wafers if desired.  Top jars with the lid to securely close.  Place in the refrigerator for another hour.  You may top them with whipped topping or whipped cream before eating if desired.