Palisade Peach Cobbler

Alright, let's talk about Alberta. It’s a landscape of rolling hills, stunning sunsets, and, of course, the *palisades* – those magnificent peach orchards that define the province. This cobbler isn’t just about the peaches, though; it’s about capturing that warmth and rustic beauty of the region. It’s a little bit sweet, a little bit tart, and utterly irresistible. I remember growing up in Alberta, my grandma always said the peaches were the heart of everything. And they truly are.

Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 ½ - 2 lbs Fresh Peaches, peeled, pitted, and sliced – the star of the show!
• 1 ½ - 2 cups All-Purpose Flour
• ½ - ¾ cup Granulated Sugar
• ¼ cup Unsalted Butter, melted
• 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
• 1 tsp Baking Powder
• 1/2 tsp Cinnamon (a little goes a long way!)
• 1/4 cup Chopped Walnuts (optional, but *highly* recommended)
• 1/2 cup Milk
• 1 tbsp Lemon Juice

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Grease and flour a 9-inch baking dish – it’s crucial for easy release!
3. In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and cinnamon.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted butter, vanilla, and milk.
5. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Don’t overmix!
6. Gently fold in the peaches and walnuts (if using).
7. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
8. Bake for 35-45 minutes, or until the cobbler is bubbly and the topping is golden brown.
9. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. It’s best enjoyed warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream! You’ll want to serve it with a slice of crusty bread.

A bit of history: The Palisade peach is a unique variety of peach that thrives in the Alberta sunshine. It’s prized for its incredibly sweet and flavorful fruit. Alberta has a long and rich history of peach farming, and this tradition is still very much alive today. I remember spending summers with my family harvesting peaches – it felt like a whole world of sweetness and sunshine.

Bonus Tip: For an extra layer of flavor, add a tablespoon of orange zest to the filling.