Peach Cobbler

Peach Cobbler

4 lbs of ripe yellow peaches, peeled, pitted, and sliced into 1/2 inch thick wedges (about 12 cups)
2/3 cup sugar
1/2 cup quick cooking tapioca
1 1/2 teaspoons grated lemon peel
1 1/2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla
2 cups all purpose flour
1 1/4 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
2/3 cup (about 6 oz) butter, cut into 1/2 inch chunks
2/3 cup whipping cream

In a large bowl, mix peaches, 2/3 cup sugar, and the tapioca, lemon peel, lemon juice, and vanilla. Let stand at least 15 minutes or up to 30 minutes to soften the tapioca, stirring several times.

In another bowl, combine flour with remaining 1/3 cup sugar, the baking powder, and nutmeg. With a pastry blender cut butter into flour mixture until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add cream and stir just until dough holds together.

In a buttered shallow 2 1/2 to 3 quart baking dish, spread fruit level. Using your hands, crumble dough evenly over fruit.

Bake in 350°F oven until it bubbles in center and top is golden brown, 50-60 minutes. Serve topped with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.