The Fourth of July and Peach Cobbler

The Fourth of July kicked off with the traditional pilgrimage to the Marietta Parade. This is the one day out of the year when, as a family, we gather and ritualistically consume doughnuts and drink orange juice while cheering on the drum line, high school bands, politicians (it is, after all, an election year as I was often reminded) and Southern Belles.

On the subject of Southern Belles, I met a guy from Toronto on Tuesday evening who had no idea what my husband and I were referring to when we described the flock of frilled women we yearly anticipate at our beloved parade. If you don't have a mental image, let me help you. Think fifty living, breathing Easter eggs trussed up in frills, white gloves, puffed sleeves (we're talking Anne of Green Gables, but bigger) and wide brimmed hats. They march with prim and tottering determination down the hot asphalt of Main Street, embodying the antebellum image of femininity and reminding us once again of how grateful we are that fashion has evolved. 

Personally I'm convinced that a heat stroke is inevitable, hoop skirts aren't really well ventilated contrary to popular belief. 

This is Husband and Grandmama. As you can see, Husband is part of the mafia.

Just kidding. 

The Fourth, overall was a success, there were fireworks, grilled burgers and crazed summer cannonballs into the pool. You know the type, that cannonball you pull out when you totally forget the fact that anything in life matters apart from making the biggest splash known to mankind. ever. It was a good day. 

The Fourth of July was also the day on which we were able to pick the first peaches off our lovely little tree. 

They went from this

To this... 

Peach cobbler time, y'all. 

In sharing this recipe it's also necessary to share that I don't eat wheat. I'm allergic to the stuff so I've been gluten/wheat free for about a year and a half now. Before you scroll away because of the overwhelming sadness you feel at the idea of living without bread, doughnuts and chocolate chip cookies, try this. A mission of mine is to create the yummiest most delicious food I can in spite of the restraints of avoiding wheat and this is a favorite around here, in all its gluten free glory. Brad is quite the critic too, so give it a shot or make the wheat-filled version and be happy! 

Side note: This recipe has a stick of butter in it. Gluten free doesn't equal healthy. Now, back to being a hoggit... 

Gluten Free Peach Cobbler 

2 cans sliced peaches - drain the syrup or 6 fresh peeled and sliced peaches 

1/4 cup milk (optional) 

1 cup sugar 

1 stick butter - straight from the fridge 

1 cup gluten free Bisquick Baking Mix (Ok, I've used everything from a cup of oatmeal I stick in the food processor and make a sort of flour out of, to a cup of rice flour - the baking mix is just easier than anything else since you can dump it in and go) 

^^ This is where you can sub in a cup of normal white wheat flour if you aren't into the whole gluten free thing, self-rising works best. 

Preheat your oven to 350 

Mix your dry ingredients together in a bowl, cut your butter into pieces and then either combine with the dry ingredients using a fork and your super human strength, or your (clean) hands. The result is a crumbly butter/sugar topping. 

Next, put the peaches in the bottom of a baking dish and pour the milk over the top, or if you feel like this thing doesn't have enough calories yet, use heavy whipping cream. Sprinkle the butter/sugar mixture on top and put the whole glorious thing in the oven for 35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown. Serve with ice cream and a pillow so if you faint from happiness you don't hurt yourself. 

 Lots of love, 

Rae