Raspberry Peach Cobbler

Our raspberry bushes and peach tree have both been producing in abundance this summer, and our freezer is loaded. These two fruits also work nicely together, whether in jam, smoothies, or a dessert like this one. This recipe is for frozen fruit - thawed and then drained, it makes for a nice thick cobbler that is dense with fruit.  If you choose to use fresh fruit, you can reduce the initial quantity somewhat and you will probably end up with a juicier cobbler. If you like, substitute whole wheat pastry flour or white whole wheat flour for up to half the all purpose flour.

A double batch of raspberry peach cobbler in a 9x13-inch pan.

2 quarts frozen peach slices, thawed
2 cups frozen raspberries, thawed
1/4 cup + 2 Tbsp white sugar
1 1/2 Tbsp corn starch
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
1 1/2 cups all purpose flour
2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
6 Tbsp cold butter, in small pieces
1 pint heavy cream
1-2 Tbsp confectioners sugar

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.  Butter an 8x8-inch baking dish.

Drain excess liquid off the fruit.  Combine the peaches (hold raspberries aside) in a mixing bowl with 1/4 cup white sugar, the corn starch, cinnamon, and nutmeg and toss well to coat.  Set aside while you make the dough for the topping.

Combine 1 1/2 cups flour, baking powder, and salt in a mixing bowl. Add the butter and cut in with a pastry cutter or two knives until it is peas-sized or smaller.  Add 3/4 cup cream and stir with a fork until the dough just comes together.  If it's too dry, add more cream a little drizzle at a time until you can form the dough into a rough ball in your hands.  Transfer it to a lightly floured surface and press it out with your hands until it is a size that will more or less cover the baking dish.

Pour the peach mixture into the baking dish, spread the raspberries over it, and place the dough over everything (it should be contained within the dish, not hang over).  Bake for 40-45 minutes, until the dough is cooked through and golden brown, and the fruit is bubbling.  Let cool on a rack.

While the cobbler bakes, whip the rest of the cream with the confectioners sugar and refrigerate until ready to use.

Serve the cobbler warm or room temperature with a generous helping of whipped cream on top.

Serves 6-8.