Peach Crisp

The Joker by The Steve Miller Band
Holla!  There's a man in the house today!  Well, technically, there's always a man in the house, but specifically, today he's in the kitchen!  And he's my man.  And he's helping me bake!  So I thought I'd throw a tune in that I know he really likes.  It's kind of a sexy sounding song and, ladies, correct me if I'm wrong, but there's just something a little sexy about a guy cutting up fruit or stirring the pot.  Today's dessert is one my guy makes now and then and I always appreciate the break.  We're working together to bring this recipe to you today.  Better gather up your peaches because this dessert will shake your tree!  Ha!

To say that my husband likes dessert would be the understatement of the century!  He IS the cookie monster!  Although cookies are his favorite, he loves it all!  When we dine out, he always leaves room for dessert and will often request the dessert menu first to reserve his piece of pie or brownie sundae.  He is NOT a happy camper if he hears the words, "I'm sorry but we're out of the (whatever it was he had his eye on)."

Several years ago I was just not up to making a dessert one night so he and one of our daughters decided to do it on their own.  We had peaches and he asked what an easy fix would be.  I suggested some kind of cobbler or crisp.  From my comfy setting on the couch, I gave them the basic instructions and they went with it - and it was good!  Since then, he's made it a couple times a year when the peaches and apples are on.  Even a chef likes a break now and then!

Well, peaches are on now and this household is happy!  I could truly eat them for breakfast, lunch, and dinner!  Although peach pie is my favorite way to eat them, this crisp more than fits the bill when time is tight - and when I want someone else to cook for me!  Somehow, making a pie crust just scares people.  The topping on this crisp isn't scary at all!

Peach Crisp

makes 6 - 8 servings

Printable Recipe Card

6 large peaches, peeled and chunked (about 6 cups)

1/2 c. sugar

1/4 c. flour

1 t. lemon juice

Topping:

1 c. rolled oats

1/3 c. brown sugar

1/3 c. flour

1/3 c. sliced almonds

1/2 t. cinnamon

pinch of salt

2/3 c. unsalted butter, cut into pieces

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

Combine the peeled and chunked peaches with the sugar, flour, and lemon juice in a large bowl and stir well to coat the peaches.  Set aside.

To make the topping, place the oats, brown sugar, flour, sliced almonds, cinnamon, and salt into the bowl of a food processor and pulse until the ingredients are well mixed.  Add the pieces of butter and pulse again until the butter is well blended and the mixture starts to form small clumps.  You will be able to pinch the ingredients together in your fingers and have it make a soft mold.

Spray a 9x13 baking pan or individual molds with cooking spray.  Spoon the peach mixture into the bottom and spread out.  

With your hands, distribute the topping evenly across the top, crumbling it as you go.  

I like to use the shallow individual molds because it gives you more surface, which means more crumble - and I love the crumble!  Don't be shy with it.  Heap it on!  It's going to melt down and give you a delicious, nutty topping.

Bake for 35 - 40 minutes until the peaches are bubbly and the topping is golden brown.  Let cool but serve warm.  I guess you could put some vanilla ice cream on top if you'd like - but it doesn't need it!