Into the Kitchen: End of Summer Peach Crisp

The end of this week we were already feeling the chill in the air (sixty degrees during the day!) and I figured I better find a way to enjoy some more summer fruit and quick! Ina Garten's peach crisp was the perfect marriage of sweetness and comfort. I'm thinking the experience of this dessert could only have been improved with one of these to wear while enjoying it!

Ingredients

4 to 5 pounds firm, ripe peaches (10 to 12 large peaches)
1 orange, zested
1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
1 cup light brown sugar, packed
1 1/2 cups plus 2 to 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/2 pint raspberries, optional
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup quick-cooking oatmeal
1/2 pound cold unsalted butter, diced

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Butter a large baking dish.

Immerse the peaches in boiling water for 30 seconds, then place them in cold water. Peel the peaches and slice them into thick wedges and place them into a large bowl. Add the orange zest, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, 1/2 cup brown sugar, and 2 tablespoons of flour. Toss well. Gently mix in the raspberries if you'd like (I choose not to use them this time around). Allow the mixture to sit for 5 minutes. If there is a lot of liquid, add 1 more tablespoon of flour. Pour the peaches into the baking dish and gently smooth the top.

Combine 1 1/2 cups flour, 1 cup granulated sugar, 1/2 cup brown sugar, salt, oatmeal, and the cold, diced butter in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a paddle attachment. Mix on low speed until the butter is pea-sized and the mixture is crumbly. Sprinkle evenly on top of the peaches and raspberries.

Bake for 1 hour, until the top is browned and crisp and the juices are bubbly. Serve immediately, or store in the refrigerator and reheat in a preheated 350 degree F oven for 20 to 30 minutes, until warm. Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a bit of cream.

Peaches are simply my favorite fruit and a sweet theme for a wedding. Not to mention, I've read they make great favors!

(Preserve image found here and peachy image here.)