Americans have always been fond of desserts.

In colonial times, desserts were a status symbol and the fanciest part of a meal because sugar and flour were very costly and not readily available.

The most popular colonial desserts were Bettys (A popular baked pudding; spiced fruit was layered with buttered bread crumbs. This can also be served with lemon sauce or whipped cream. The most familiar form is Apple Brown Betty.), Cobblers (Fruit filling’s put in a baking dish and topped with a biscuit dough. The dough may completely cover the fruit or just be dropped on the fruit by handfuls. And a cobbler’s always baked. The name probably came about because of the crust that resembled cobblestones) and Grunts. ( This was a stewed or baked fruit dish; biscuit dough is rolled and then put on top of the fruit. The name may have come from the noise people made while eating it!).

This dish was also known as Slumps. Another theory states that the “Grunt” and “Slump” names came from the sounds of the fruit and dough as they’re cooking!

These classic desserts are a vast improvement over earlier varieties, for cooks had to make do with whatever ingredients were at hand. Now, they’re both delicious and nourishing. 

So without further ado, here’s the recipe:

Ingredients:

2 tbsp sugar

2 tbsp brown sugar

1 tbsp cornstarch

1 tbsp lemon juice

3 cups canned peaches

If you prefer fresh peaches (depending on their availability) and have the time to cut them up, by all means, do so. I personally would rather use fresh myself, so I make the time!

Topping:

 1 cup all-purpose flour

1/4 cup sugar

1/2 tsp salt

1 & 1/2 tsp baking powder

1/2 cup milk

1/4 cup butter, softened

1. Combine sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, drained peaches (or the fresh peach slices), and 1/2 cup of reserved peach juice (if you’re using fresh, you won’t have to worry about juice) in a 2-quart baking dish.

2. For the topping, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a bowl.

3. Stir in butter and milk.

 4. Spread over the fruit mixture and bake at 375 degrees for 50 minutes or until golden brown.

Did You Know That…..

In colonial times, many people didn’t drink water or milk for fear of disease. Alcoholic beverages were widely consumed. Hmmm…..