Most likely we have all heard that Georgia is the Peach state and it is but there are more than one peach farm down here in southern Illinois. This weekend the first full weekend of August the Cobden Illinois Peach festival will be celebrated. The 2021 festival will mark the 83rd year the Cobden Lions club has sponsored the festival.
Union county here in Southern Illinois earned the title of being the largest peach producing area in the state of Illinois. There was a time when you could see miles and miles peach orchards. The time has gone by and many farmers have sine stopped growing peaches. Peach harvest season runs from June thru October and during this time at Peach Orchards in the southern most part of Illinois you can purchase peaches as well as a great variety of apples and other veggies.
recipe resource
- 30 oz frozen peaches, thawed slightly
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup coconut sugar
- 3 tablespoons corn starch
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
For the crisp topping
- 1 1/4 cups brown sugar
- 1 cup whole wheat pastry flour
- 1 1/4 cups rolled oats
- scant 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3 tablespoons coconut oil, melted
- 1/2 cup vegan butter, melted
- In a large bowl, combine all ingredients for the crisp
- You will need to stir until the ingredients stick to the peaches (usually after around 10 minutes of allowing the peaches to thaw)
- In a separate bowl, combine ingredients for the crisp topping and stir until it resembles wet sand
- Pour crisp ingredients into a baking dish and spoon the crisp topping in an even layer over the top
- Bake at 350 degrees for 50-60 minutes, or until bubbly and browned
- Serve with vanilla ice cream
