Patchwork Cobbler
Ingredients:
Cobbler:
8 cups peaches, peeled and sliced
6 cups red plums, sliced
2 cups fresh blueberries
2 tsp. vanilla extract
1-3/4 cups granulated sugar
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 large egg
sanding sugar or sparkling sugar
Topping:
2 cups all-purpose flour
3 Tbsp. granulated sugar
1/4 tsp. salt
1 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into pieces
1 large egg yolk
3 Tbsp. ice-cold milk
Detailed Steps:
Prepare Crust: Stir together first 3 ingredients in a large bowl. Cut 1 cup butter into flour mixture with a pastry blender until mixture resembles coarse meal. Whisk together egg yolk and milk; stir into flour mixture just until dough starts to form a ball. Shape dough into a flat disk using lightly floured hands. Wrap disk in plastic wrap, and chill 1 to 24 hours.
Prepare Filling: Preheat oven to 425° F. Place peaches and next 3 ingredients in a large bowl. Stir together 1-3/4 cups sugar and 1/2 cup flour; sprinkle over peach mixture, and gently stir. Spoon into a lightly greased 13-X-9-inch or shallow 3-qt. baking dish. Drizzle with melted butter.
Place dough disk on a lightly floured surface; sprinkle with flour. Place a piece of plastic wrap over dough disk. (This makes the dough easier to roll.) Roll dough to 1/8-inch to 1/4-inch thickness; cut into 2-inch squares. Arrange squares in a patchwork pattern over peach mixture, leaving openings for steam to escape.
Whisk together egg and 2 Tbsp. water; brush dough with egg mixture. Sprinkle with sanding sugar or sparkling sugar.
Bake on lowest oven rack at 425° F for 40 to 55 minutes or until crust is deep golden and peach mixture is bubbly, shielding edges with foil during last 5 to 10 minutes to prevent excessive browning. Transfer to a wire rack; cool 1 hour.
Prep Time: 30 mins. Chill Time: 24 hrs.
Cook Time: 40 to 55 mins. Cool Time: 1 hr.
Total Time: 1 day 2hrs. 25 mins.
Patchwork Cobbler is a delightful dessert that combines the natural sweetness and juiciness of seasonal fruits like peaches, red plums, and fresh blueberries. The unique patchwork crust design allows steam to escape during baking, resulting in a tender and flaky topping that complements the luscious fruit filling beneath. To achieve the best results, start with high-quality, ripe fruits and peel the peaches for smoother texture. The mixture of granulated sugar and all-purpose flour in the filling not only sweetens but also thickens the fruit juices as they bake, preventing a runny consistency. For the crust, using ice-cold unsalted butter and milk helps create a tender, flaky dough. Chilling the dough disk for a minimum of one hour, but ideally 24 hours, allows the butter to firm up and the gluten in the flour to relax, which improves the texture and ease of handling when rolling out. When creating the patchwork topping, rolling the dough to around 1/8-inch to 1/4-inch thickness and cutting into uniform 2-inch squares will help attain an even bake and an attractive presentation. Brushing the squares with an egg wash made of a beaten egg and water adds a glossy sheen and assists the sanding sugar in adhering, resulting in a lightly sweet, sparkling finish. Baking the cobbler on the lowest oven rack at 425°F ensures the crust develops a deep golden-brown color while the fruit filling bubbles to the perfect consistency. Shielding the edges with foil during the last 5 to 10 minutes prevents excess browning without compromising the bake. This cobbler benefits from resting for about an hour after baking, allowing the filling to set for easier serving. It pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream for an irresistible summer dessert. Patchwork Cobbler exemplifies a classic Southern dessert with a modern twist, perfect for showcasing fresh fruit flavors in a stunning, rustic presentation. Its balance of buttery crust, sweet-tart fruit filling, and charming patchwork design makes it an excellent choice for family gatherings or special occasions.
