Hill Country Peach Crisp

Peaches are the leading deciduous fruit crop grown in Texas and it is estimated that there are more than one million trees planted statewide. Average annual production exceeds one million bushels.  Some of the best peaches I’ve ever eaten are grown in the Hill Country outside of Austin and San Antonio.  They are so important there that a Hill Country Fruit Council has been established to guide tourists to the best orchards.  Here’s how to use them in a wonderful dessert. From the article "Perfectly Pungent Peaches" by Dave DeWitt here.

Ingredients

10 cups sliced fresh peaches

2 teaspoons lemon juice

1/2 teaspoon almond extract

1 cup brown sugar

3/4 cup whole wheat flour

3 cups quick oats

1 1/2 cups chopped pecans

3/4 cup grated coconut

1 cup melted butter

1 teaspoon almond extract

1 teaspoon nutmeg

1/2 teaspoon cayenne

Instructions

In a bowl, toss the peaches with the lemon juice and almond extract and then place them in a 9 by 13 inch baking dish.

In another bowl, combine the sugar, flour, oats, pecans, and coconut and then stir in the butter and almond extract.  Spread this mixture over the peaches and sprinkle it with nutmeg and cayenne.

Bake in a 350 degree oven for 45 to 60 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.

Heat Scale: Medium