Tuesday, September 20, 2022

Be Bold

My kids are bold. SO bold. You see our peach tree gave us only 3 peaches this year. Yes three. That's two more than we thought! We only had one for the longest time, then we found 2 more. It's a combo of either over pruning or a spring freeze - or maybe both! Either way - our peach supply was REALLY low this year. I did buy some canning peaches so we've been having fun with those, but then we noticed our neighbors tree heavy laden with peaches. A tree we've never seen have fruit before. My kids are so bold - they went to the neighbor and asked if they could pick a bowl of peaches, and they said sure! So off they went with the biggest bowl they could find to pick a bowl of peaches. Sure some weren't ripe yet and not great for baking but they were perfect for canning. I canned a jar for the fair!
The same day I made these peach pie bars with our canning peaches since they were softer and more ripe. The crust? Well I couldn't get it to roll out, so instead I pressed it into the bottom of the pan and that seemed to work great. I think I would have doubled the peaches in this recipe to make a thick peach filling, but next time. These are really yummy. Heated up with some ice cream they would be even more amazing.
So be bold - when you see a neighbor with a tree loaded with peaches about to break, send your kids to ask if they can "help" and pick some...

Peach Pie Bars Recipe
1 1/4 cup all purpose flour
2 tbsp brown sugar
1/4 tsp salt
7 tbsp unsalted butter
1 egg yolk
2 1/2 tbsp cold water

FOR THE FILLING
5-6 medium ripe peaches
3 tbsp all-purpose flour
1 tbsp cornstarch
1/3 cup granulated sugar
2 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 squirt fresh lemon juice

FOR THE CRUMB TOPPING
1 cup old fashioned oats
1/2 cup all purpose flour
2/3 cup brown sugar
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter - cold and cubed

INSTRUCTIONS
Preheat oven to 350 degrees, line the bottom of a 9×13 inch pan with parchment paper, set aside.

PREPARING THE DOUGH
In a large bowl whisk together the flour, sugar and salt. In a separate bowl whisk together the egg yolk and ice water. Slowly pour into the flour mixture, mixing until combined. Cut the butter into the mixture with a pastry blender until pea-size clumps form. Knead the dough into a ball, then pat flat and wrap with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for 30 minutes.

PREPARING THE FILLING
Meanwhile, slice the peaches, remove the skin and combine them along with the flour, cornstarch, brown sugar, cinnamon, vanilla, and lemon juice in a large bowl, toss together to coat evenly.
After the dough has chilled, roll it out into a 9×13 inch rectangle. Place in the bottom of the prepared pan.

PREPARING THE CRUMB TOPPING
In a medium size mixing bowl, combining the oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt, whisk together. Using a pastry blender, cut in the cold cubed butter until small clumps form. Pour the peach mixture into the pan over the pastry dough. Press to create an even layer. Pour the crumb topping over the peaches.
Place in the preheated oven and bake for 35-45 minutes or until the top begins to brown. Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool for 45 minutes before cutting and serving. The parchment paper should help prevent anything from sticking to the bottom of your pan.

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