Grandma’s Peach Cobbler pie

Grandma’s Peach Cobbler Pie is a timeless classic, evoking memories of family gatherings and warm summer evenings. This particular recipe perfectly captures the essence of traditional home baking, blending the natural sweetness of peaches with a rich, buttery crust. It’s a comforting dessert that’s both satisfying and surprisingly simple to make.

Choosing the Ingredients

1. Peaches: Opt for frozen peach slices for convenience and consistent quality. Fresh peaches can be used when in season, but ensure they are ripe yet firm to withstand the cooking process.
2. Flour: Standard all-purpose flour works best for both the filling thickener and the crust. For a healthier twist, you can experiment with whole wheat flour, but it will alter the texture slightly.
3. Shortening: The recipe calls for butter-flavored shortening, which adds a rich, buttery taste to the crust. If unavailable, regular shortening or even cold butter can be used as a substitute.
4. Sugar: Granulated sugar is ideal for the filling to balance the tartness of the peaches. If you prefer a less sweet dessert, you can reduce the sugar quantity.
5. Spices: Ground cinnamon and nutmeg are traditional, but adding a pinch of ground ginger or allspice can introduce an interesting flavor profile.

Tips for Making the Pie

• When preparing the dough, ensure it’s chilled sufficiently. This makes it easier to handle and results in a flakier crust.
• For the peach filling, maintain a gentle simmer to avoid burning. The addition of flour-water mixture should be gradual to prevent lumps.
• Rolling the dough for the lattice crust requires patience. Keep the surface and rolling pin lightly floured to prevent sticking.
• Baking times may vary based on the oven, so keep an eye on the cobbler, especially towards the end of the baking period.

Variations and Substitutions

• Dietary Adjustments: For a gluten-free version, use a blend of gluten-free flours. Similarly, a dairy-free version can be made by substituting dairy components with plant-based alternatives.
• Fruit Variations: This recipe is versatile. Try mixing peaches with other fruits like blueberries or raspberries for a delightful twist.
• Sugar Alternatives: If you’re looking to reduce refined sugar, try natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup, though this will alter the flavor slightly.
• Adding Nuts: For an added crunch, sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the top before baking.

Grandma’s Peach Cobbler Pie

Ingredients

For the Peach Filling:

• 2 lbs frozen peach slices
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 1/2 cups water, divided
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour

For the Crust:

• 1 cup butter-flavored shortening
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/3 cup ice-cold water

Instructions

1. Dough Preparation:
   • In a bowl, sift 2 cups of all-purpose flour. Add in the shortening and use a pastry cutter or dough hooks to mix until the texture resembles coarse crumbs.
   • Slowly add the ice-cold water and mix until a dough forms. Shape into a ball, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 45 minutes.
2. Cooking the Peach Filling:
   • In a large pot, combine the frozen peaches, 1 cup water, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Heat over medium-high until the mixture starts to bubble.
   • Stir in butter and vanilla extract.
   • In a separate bowl, mix the remaining 1/2 cup water with 3 tablespoons flour. Gradually add this to the peach mixture, stirring constantly. Reduce heat to low and let simmer.
3. Preparing the Crust:
   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
   • Roll out half of the chilled dough and cut into 1-inch squares. Place these squares on a baking sheet and bake for 7 minutes. They should be slightly firm.
4. Assembling the Cobbler:
   • Spread the peach mixture in a 13×9 inch baking dish.
   • Remove the baked dough squares from the oven and gently fold them into the peach mixture.
   • Roll out the remaining dough and cut into strips. Lay these strips over the cobbler in a lattice pattern.
5. Final Baking:
   • Bake the assembled cobbler in the preheated oven for 40 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown.
   • Allow the cobbler to cool before serving.
6. Serving:
   • Serve the cobbler warm, ideally accompanied by a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic dessert experience.

Notes and Tips

• Ensure the butter is well integrated into the peach mixture for a rich flavor.
• Monitor the cobbler during baking to avoid over-browning of the crust.
• For a variation, consider adding a splash of bourbon or almond extract to the peach mixture for an enhanced flavor profile.
• This cobbler can be stored in the refrigerator and reheated for enjoying later, maintaining its delightful taste and texture.