SANDRA'S UPSIDE-DOWN PEACH CAKE (from scratch)

 

My husband says,
"This is my favorite upside-down cake, don't change a thing"...

Servings: (9-12)

Prep: 20 Mins.

Bake: 35 to 37 Mins.

 

INGREDIENTS

 

1 cup all-purpose flour

1 cup granulated sugar

1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

2 teaspoons baking powder

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon ground ginger

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

3 large eggs, beaten

⅓ cup peach nectar (I prefer Kerns)

1 stick salted butter, melted

¾ cup light brown sugar, packed

1 (24-oz. jar) peach slices (Kirkland brand from Costco)

--Homemade whipped cream for serving

DIRECTIONS

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Set aside an 8x8x2" square, dark baking pan.

For the cake batter: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, salt, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon and ginger.  Add the vanilla extract, beaten eggs and peach nectar; mix until well blended, and set aside.

Meanwhile, melt the butter in the microwave, covered, in a glass bowl for about 1 minute and 20 seconds.  While hot, whisk in the brown sugar for 1 minute, pour the mixture into the bottom of the baking pan.

Line peach slices in a nice pattern on top of the butter-sugar. Pour cake batter on top of the peach slices, gently so as not to disturb the sliced peach layer.

Bake cake for 35 to 37 minutes (turning half way for even baking) or until a toothpick inserted into center comes out clean.

Cool cake for 10 minutes then invert the cake onto a serving plate and serve with homemade whipped cream!

SANDRA'S INDIVIDUAL PEACH COBBLERS IN JARS

Another of my recipes I've modified for serving at a single setting,

as in its whole form goes south when refrigerated should there be leftovers.

All my recipes (as each are kitchen-tested) take many modifications until perfected.

These individual desserts are cute, decadent and comforting

to serve during those cold winter months...

Yield: Four (1/2-pint or 8-oz) Mason Jars

Prep: 15 Mins.

Bake: 40 Mins.

INGREDIENTS

Cobbler Batter:

--Dry:

3/4 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/3 cup granulated sugar

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

--Wet:

2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

1/4 cup milk

1 medium egg

1/3 cup of reserved peach liquid (listed below)

Filling:

1 (24-oz. jar) sliced peaches (from Costco), drained and roughly chopped

--(reserving 1/3 cup of liquid)

1/3 cup granulated sugar

1-1/2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/8 teaspoon ground ginger

METHOD

Preheat oven to 350F.

Rub four 1/2-pint glass Mason jars with Mazola oil and set aside, along with a foil-lined baking sheet to place them on while baking.

Cobbler Batter:

In a medium bowl, whisk together dry ingredients. In another small bowl, whisk together wet ingredients. Add the wet to the dry ingredients in the medium bowl; stir to combine, and set aside.

Filling:

Add peaches to a medium bowl and sprinkle the flour and sugar on top. Stir until all of the peaches are well coated and flour has thoroughly been incorporated. Add the vanilla extract, cinnamon and ginger; mix to combine.

Pour one-quarter of batter into each prepared jar, and spread evenly over bottom. Spoon one-quarter of peach mixture over batter in each jar. Place in pre-heated oven, and bake until cobblers are set, about 40 minutes, turning half way for even cooking. Remove from oven; let cool slightly. Serve warm in jars. ~ Enjoy!

SANDRA'S ICONIC INDIVIDUAL PEACH CRISPS

A classic family favorite,
the awesome peach crisp
served warm and topped off with ice cold French vanilla ice cream
~ oh so blissful...

Yields: 4 Individual (1-cup) ramekins
Prep time: 15 mins

Cook time: 40 mins

INGREDIENTS

Topping

1/4 cup all-purpose flour

1/3 cup light brown sugar

1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Pinch of kosher salt

1/4 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed into small pieces

1/2 cup old-fashioned rolled oats (not quick cooking)

Filling

3 cups (1-24 oz jar) Costco sliced peaches, drained, then cut into 1" pieces

1/4 cup granulated sugar

2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

--French Vanilla Ice Cream (if desired)

METHOD

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray 4 (1 cup) ramekins with nonstick cooking spray. Place all 4 prepared ramekins on a baking sheet; set aside.

In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt until well combined. Add the cold cubed butter and using a pastry cutter or fork, cut the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles the size of peas. Fold in the oats and transfer topping to the refrigerator to chill while preparing filling.

Add the peaches to a medium mixing bowl and sprinkle with flour and sugar. Stir until all of the peaches are well coated with the flour and sugar (let set 5 minutes). Scoop the peach filling equally into the prepared ramekins (that have been placed on the baking sheet), remove the topping from the refrigerator equally sprinkle on top of filling. 

Ready for the oven...

Bake for 40 minutes, until the topping is lightly golden brown and the juices are bubbling around the edges.

Hot out of the oven, now cooling...

Remove from the oven and transfer ramekins to a wire rack, using an oven mitt, to cool slightly before serving, top each with a scoop of French Vanilla Ice Cream. ~ Enjoy!

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Tip: This recipe also works using a 9x9x2" square baking dish versus these 4 ramekins!

SANDRA'S ALASKAN-BLUEBERRY and PEACH COBBLER

A wonderful method in which to prepare your Alaskan summer-harvested blueberries
that have been frozen, and its combination with peaches to form this decadent
cobbles is nothing short of amazing...

Servings: (12)

Prep: 25 mins.

Bake: A total of 30 mins.
--(At two temperatures: 350 degrees for 15 mins, then 450 degrees for the final 15 mins)

INGREDIENTS:

Fruit and berries:

1 (24-oz. jar) Costco peaches, drained

1/4 cup granulated sugar

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

3 tablespoons unsalted butter

--2 cups frozen blueberries (keep frozen until ready to use, do not add to above heated mixture)

Cobbler dough:

1 cup all-purpose flour

1/4 cup granulated sugar

2 teaspoons baking powder

1/4 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon ground ginger

1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

1/2 cube cold, unsalted butter, cut in 12 small cubes

3/4 cups cold milk, mixed with 2 teaspoons lemon juice (let set 5 minutes to activate)

--Topping:

--1 tablespoon granulated sugar

--1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

METHOD:

In a medium skillet melt 3 tablespoons butter, add sugar, cinnamon, and peaches.  Mix to combine, while bringing to a low simmer. Let filling gently simmer, while occasionally stirring, for 15 minutes.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees (Note: Will increase oven temp mid way through baking to 450 degrees).

Meanwhile, prepare cobbler dough, by adding to a medium bowl the flour, sugar, baking powder and soda, cinnamon, ginger, and salt. Whisk dry ingredients so they are evenly combined.  Using a pastry cutter to work in the cold, cubed butter, until course mixture resembles the size of peas. In a 2-cup glass-measuring cup, add 1-1/4 cup milk and 1 tablespoon lemon juice, then let stand for 5 minutes to activate.  Pour this liquid mixture into dry ingredients, and use a fork to combine (do not over mix).

Pour hot peach mixture in a single layer into a 9x13" baking dish (or other 3-qt. size), sprinkle 2 cups of frozen blueberries evenly over the top of the hot peaches. Use 2 forks to dollop the cobbler dough over the fruit and berries, while leaving spaces for filling to steam through.

Combine topping of cinnamon and sugar in a small bowl, then sprinkle evenly over top of dough.

Place baking dish atop a foil-lined baking sheet (to catch potential spill over), then bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes, increase heat to 450 and continue baking for 15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in center of cobbler dough comes out clean.

When cobbler has finished baking, let cool for 15 minutes prior to serving. If desired, serve warm with French vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. ~ Enjoy!

SANDRA'S EASY OUTSTANDING RHUBARB COBBLER

A wonderful recipe that's easy to prepare in which I used frozen rhubarb
 I thawed beforehand, so you're able to prepare this outstanding dessert year round!

Also, feel free to substitute rhubarb for apples using this same par-cooking method.

Or, changing it up using stone fruit or berries 
without par-cooking prior to baking...

Servings: (8 to 10)

Prep: 15 Mins.

Bake: 50 Mins.

INGREDIENTS

Filling (Par-cooked before baking)

5 cups sliced, 1" pieces, fresh (or frozen rhubarb, thawed)

1 teaspoon freshly squeezed lemon juice

Batter

1 cup all-purpose flour

3/4 cup granulated sugar

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon ground ginger

1 teaspoon double-acting baking powder (or regular)

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1 large egg, beaten

1/2 cup evaporated milk (not sweetened)

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) butter, melted

Topping

1/4 cup sugar

1 tablespoon cornstarch

1/2 cup hot water

-- Serve with a scoop of French vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream

METHOD

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

Par-cook rhubarb in the microwave in a glass bowl covered with a plate on high for 8 minutes. Drain through a sieve, without disturbing by pressing rhubarb pieces down. Place drained rhubarb in a sprayed, glass 9x9x2" baking dish. Drizzle with lemon juice, and set aside.

Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, whisk flour, 3/4 cup of the sugar, cinnamon, ginger, baking powder and soda. Switch to using a spoon then add beaten egg, milk, vanilla extract and melted butter; mix just until combined. Spread batter evenly over rhubarb mixture.

In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup sugar and cornstarch. Sprinkle mixture over batter. Drizzle hot water over top of ingredients to fully cover.

Bake until golden brown for 50 minutes. Remove from oven and let stand on baking rack for 10 minutes.  ~ Enjoy!

SANDRA'S LAYERED FRUIT-LADEN LEMON JELLO DESSERT

Top layer: Lemon jello, pineapple, pears
Middle Layer: Sweet creamy mixture
Bottom Layer: Lemon jello, pineapple, peaches

Servings: (8 to 10)
Prep: 15 Mins.
Refrigerate: 1st time-1-1/2 hrs; 2nd time-4 hrs.

INGREDIENTS:

2-Layer Jello-Fruit Mixture:
2 (3 oz. boxes) fat-free lemon jello, divided
2 cups boiling water, divided
1 15 oz. can peaches in light syrup, drained (reserve juice)
1 15 oz. can pears in light syrup, drained (reserve juice)
1 20 oz. can crushed pineapple, drained (reserve juice)
--[Note: Overall, you'll only be using 1 cup of reserved fruit juice)

Middle Creamy Layer Mixture:
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 cup mayonnaise
2 teaspoons agave (or 1 tablespoon honey)

METHOD:

In a medium, round, glass bowl, add one pkg. lemon jello; stir in 1 cup of boiling water to dissolve.

In a small, round, glass bowl, the second pkg. lemon jello; stir in 1 cup of boiling water to dissolve.

Separately drain the 3 cans of fruit through a sieve a medium bowl to drain; setting 3 different drained fruits in their own small bowl.  Roughly chop the bowl of peaches, then the bowl of pears.  Set 3 bowls of fruit aside.

Measure 1 cup of drained fruit juice mixture and stir into large bowl of lemon jello, then do the same adding a separate 1 cup of drained fruit juice mixture and stir into second small bowl of lemon jello.  Place both bowls of lemon jello into refrigerator to cool and slightly thicken for 1-1/2 hours.

Meanwhile, whisk the creamy layer mixture ingredients in a small bowl, and refrigerate until final assembly of dessert.

After 1-1/2 hours, drain any additional juice that accumulates under fruit in 3 bowls.  Add half of the drained crushed pineapple both the first large bowl of partially set lemon jello, including the other half to the small bowl of lemon jello. Gently fold in all the drained peaches to the large bowl jello mixture.

Spread the creamy layer mixture over top of first layer of jello fruit mixture.

Gently fold in all the drained pears to the small bowl jello mixture, then pour atop the creamy layer mixture, and your dessert is fully assembled! Cover, and refrigerate for a minimum of 4 hours to set. ~ Enjoy!

SANDRA’S PROSCIUTTO-WRAPPED PEACH-GLAZED JALAPENO POPPERS

Sesame seeds become slightly toasted
while slowly baking and are absolutely scrumptious
on these glazed prosciutto-wrapped jalapeno poppers.
A perfectly addicting 'game day' or
'holiday get-together' appetizer...

Yields: (24 popper halves)

Prep: 20 Mins.

Slowly Bake: 45 Mins.

INGREDIENTS

12 fresh jalapenos

1 (4 oz. tub) cream cheese with chives, at room temperature

¼ cup shredded cheddar cheese

1 tablespoon grated parmesan

1 teaspoon freshly squeezed lemon juice

1 teaspoon dried minced onion

1 (12 oz. pkg.) sliced prosciutto, cut in half lengthwise

2 tablespoons Jarred Peach Spreadable Fruit 

--(I used Smucker's)

1 tablespoon sesame seeds

--Toothpicks

--Latex gloves

METHOD

Preheat the oven to 275 degrees. Line a baking sheet with foil and spray with oil, then set aside.

Begin by cutting jalapenos in half lengthwise using latex gloves. Keep the stems intact by cutting through their center, as they later make for useful handles when eating.  Using a small spoon to scrape out seeds and ribs (retain seeds and ribs if you wish for spicier poppers).

In a small bowl, combine cream cheese with chives, cheddar cheese, parmesan, and lemon juice, and onion. Mix ingredients. 

Stuff each hollowed jalapeno half with cheese mixture.

Cut prosciutto slices in half lengthwise.

Wrap prosciutto slices around each half, covering as much surface as possible, without overstretching as it shrinks during baking, then secure each wrapped popper with a toothpick.  Place filling side up on prepared baking sheet.

In a small microwavable bowl or ramekin, heat peach spreadable fruit for 30 seconds to thin. 

Pour sesame seeds in a small dish.

Brush top surface of prosciutto with preserves, then sprinkle with sesame seeds. 

Slowly bake in preheated 275-degree oven for 1 hour. Remove toothpicks, and serve hot or at room temperature. ~ Enjoy!

SANDRA’S GRILLED BONE-IN RIBEYE STEAKS (+ a host of other BBQ recipes)

You'll find this and many other spectacular grilling recipes below...

Servings: (2)

Prep: 5 Mins. |
Marinate: 1 Hr. – or overnight |
Grill: 10 to 12 Mins. |
Stand: 5 Mins.

Posted by Sandra

INGREDIENTS

4 tablespoons low-sodium tamari (aged soy sauce)

3 green onions, sliced

2 tablespoons packed dark brown sugar

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper

2 bone-in ribeye steaks (1-1/2” thick)

METHOD

In a large resealable plastic bag, combine the soy sauce, onions, brown sugar, garlic, ginger and pepper, mixing with hands to combine. Add the steaks. Seal bag and turn several times to coat; refrigerate for a 1-hour minimum (or preferably overnight, if possible).

Drain and discard marinade, pat steaks to somewhat dry. Grill steaks, uncovered, over direct heat for 1 minute per side, and then move to indirect heat for 8-10 minutes or until the steaks reach desired doneness (medium-rare is 145 degrees; medium is 160 degrees; and well-done is 170 degrees), timing will vary, depending upon thickness of steaks. Remove steaks to serving platter, and cover with foil to let stand for juices to redistribute for 5 minutes before serving. ~ Enjoy!

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Tip: You can broil the steaks versus grilling them for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the desired doneness is achieved.

Accompanying Grilled Side Dish Options:

-- For quick but still tasty baked potatoes in half the time, click here for recipe: (Quickly Baked Potatoes)

--For quick but still tasty baked ‘sweet’ potatoes in half the time, click here fore recipe: (Quickly Baked Sweet Potatoes)

-- For a side of freshly grilled succulent corn in the husk or wrapped in tin foil, click here: (Grilled Fresh Corn in the Husk (or Wrapped in Tin Foil)

-- For a side of fresh vegetables medley on the BBQ in a grilling basket recipe, click here: (Grilled Fresh Vegetable Medley - [requires a grilling basket])

-- For a side of fresh grilled cajun corn, click here:  (Cajun Grilled Corn)

-- For a side of grilled peach dessert, click here:  (Sandra's Grilled Peach Melba Dessert)

SANDRA'S FABULOUS FRESH PEACH CRUMBLE

The absolute delightful dessert
where you'll savor every bite, seriously...

Servings: (12)
Prep: 15 mins. |
Bake: 1 hr. 15 mins.

Posted by Sandra

INGREDIENTS

***Filling
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
Pinch of freshly grated nutmeg
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon fine-grain kosher salt
5 cups fresh peaches, blanched to peel, and sliced
1 teaspoon cornstarch
1 lemon, juiced
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon unsalted butter, at room temperature

***Crumble
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup granulated sugar
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
3/4 cup rolled oats (not quick cooking)
1/4 cup glazed pecans, chopped
1/2 cup dried blueberries
Pinch of freshly grated nutmeg
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Pinch of fine-grain kosher salt
1 stick unsalted butter, chilled, and cut into cubes

METHOD

Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Spray a 13”x9” baking dish with butter flavored oil, and set aside.

To make the peach filling, in a large bowl stir together brown sugar, granulated sugar, flour, nutmeg, cinnamon and kosher salt. Add peaches and gently toss to coat. Mix together cornstarch and lemon juice, and vanilla, and then stir into peaches to incorporate. Add the filling mixture into the prepared 9”x13” baking dish, and evenly spread mixture out. Dot with 1 teaspoon of butter by breaking into pieces beforehand.

To make the crumble, in a medium bowl combine dry ingredients, add in 1 stick of butter chilled cubes and combine with pastry cutter or fork, until the dry mixture is the size of small peas.

Top peaches with half of the crumble topping. Reduce oven temperature to 350 degrees and bake Peach Crumble, uncovered, for 30 minutes. Add the remaining crumble topping, and reduce heat to 325 degrees and finish by baking, uncovered,  for another 45 minutes. Remove from oven and let stand for 15 minutes to set Peach Crumble before serving. - Enjoy!


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Tip: I serve this Peach Crumble warm with french vanilla ice cream and/or fresh whipped cream.

SANDRA'S FABULOUS FRESH PEACH COBBLER

A wonderful cobbler 
that you'll have fun making with your family...

Servings: (12)
Prep: 15 mins. |
Crust resting time: 1 hr. |
Bake: 45 to 50 mins.

Posted by Sandra

INGREDIENTS:

***Crust
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
¾ cup cold butter, cut into small pieces
3 tablespoons shortening (or lard, my preference)
ice water

***Peach filling
8 fresh peaches sliced, (enough to equal 4 cups)
¼ cup cornstarch
1 cup sugar
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon lemon zest, grated
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

***Topping
2 tablespoons cold butter, cut into very small cubes for dotting between lattice crust holes
Cinnamon/sugar for sprinkling on top before baking

METHOD:

Mix the flour and salt in a large bowl to easily work with hands to form into pea-sized pieces. Add the flour, and drop small pieces of shortening in as well and do the same. Toss to coat the butter and shortening with the flour using your fingers, then begin to rub them into the flour with your fingers using the same method. After you've mixed about half of the butter and shortening into flour, wet your hands, shaking off the excess, then continue to mix the butter and flour with your fingers. Continue doing this 3 or 4 times while you're combining the flour and butter. Leave some larger pea-size pieces of butter in crust. Spoon about 5 tablespoons of the iced water in your flour, and then using a fork to slowly incorporate the water, adding more water if need be. Gather it into a ball and place it on plastic wrap, wrapping tight, and place in refrigerator to chill for 1 hour.

Score an “X” on the bottom of each peach with a paring knife. Drop them into boiling water for 30 seconds. Remove with slotted spoon, and place in a bowl of ice water for a couple of seconds.  Peel skin back beginning at “X,” and remove skin, and then slice peaches into a large bowl.

Combine cornstarch and sugar in a small bowl, separately. Add to sliced peaches in large bowl and fold carefully to combine. Add lemon zest, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla; folding to combine.

Spray a 9”x13” baking dish with baking spray, and pour peaches into prepared dish.

To prepare lattice crust, roll out dough on a floured surface into a 1/8” thick rectangle (a bit larger than your baking dish). Slice the dough into long strips, and weave them through by lifting every other strip, alternatively, on top of your peach mixture in baking dish.

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

In the "holes" created by the lattice crust, place small pieces of cold butter in them. Sprinkle the overall top with sugar and cinnamon, then spray with baking spray. Bake for 45 minutes to 50 minutes, until crust is golden brown. Serve warm with French vanilla ice cream. – Enjoy!


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Tip: If using frozen peaches, thaw first, then drain – or if using canned peaches, drain first.