Everything’s Peachy in Delaware!

Now, one might associate a certain other state with that sweet, juicy summer fruit, the peach, but Delaware has put it in the number one spot: the state’s official fruit. The peach came to Delaware in colonial times, and for most of the 19th century it was the leading producer of peaches. Six million baskets went to market in 1875, and every peach was grown in Delaware.

That little history lesson might have made you hungry for some peach pie…perhaps with a scoop of vanilla ice cream!

Crunchy Peach Crisp with a Twist

Create this mouthwatering peach crisp using fresh peaches when in season, or canned peaches, if you prefer.

Serves about 6

Ingredients

Filling

• 1 TB cornstarch
• 1/4 C granulated sugar
• 2 TB brown sugar
• 5-6 medium-size peaches sliced 1/4-inch-thick, or 1 can sliced peaches
• 1 tsp. vanilla extract
• 1 tsp. fresh lemon juice
• 1/4 tsp. almond extract

Oatmeal Topping

• 1 C old-fashioned oats
• 1/2 C brown sugar, packed
• 1/2 C unsalted, softened butter
• 1/3 C all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp. ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp. salt

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
2. Grease a 9-inch square baking dish (or the closest to this size you have, or another size that suits your needs).
3. In a large bowl, mix together the cornstarch and sugars.
4. Add the peach slices, vanilla extract, lemon juice, and almond extract. Toss to coat the peaches.
5. When well-coated, pour the mixture into the baking dish.
6. In a medium bowl, add together the old-fashioned oats, brown sugar, butter, flour, cinnamon, and salt.
7. Mix the ingredients together until large “crumbs” form.
8. Sprinkle pieces of the topping over the entire filling, making sure the crumbles are small, and you cover the peaches evenly. Use the entire bowl of topping.
9. Bake at 350°F for 45 minutes, until the fruit filling bubbles, and the topping browns and crisps.
10. Allow the dessert to rest for 10 minutes.
11. Serve warm.

Goes great with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream!

Alternate With Canned Peaches

Drain the peaches, and use the syrup (or a portion of the syrup) in the filling, along with the other filling ingredients.

Additional ingredients you might want to toss in: Raisins and pecans.