Cardamom Peach Crisp

Stone fruit season is upon us in Santa Barbara, which means I'm finding every which way to use up bumper crops of peaches from the farmers' market. I love slicing peaches into salads (especially alongside fresh basil, cucumbers, and salty feta cheese), or simply roasting the halves slathered with honey and butter, with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. Here is my recipe for another fabulous peach-inspired dessert, a Cardamom Peach Crisp. 

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CARDAMOM PEACH CRISP

Serves: 8-10 people

Cardamom Peach Crisp

Prep time:

Cooking time:

Ingredients:

    PEACH FILLING

  • 3 pounds peaches, peeled and diced (6-7 peaches)
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch or tapioca powder
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • Juice of one lemon
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon cardamom
  • Pinch of kosher salt

CRISP TOPPING

  • 1.5 cups old-fashioned oats
  • 1/2 cup almond meal or almond flour
  • 1/3 cup sliced or roughly chopped almonds
  • 1/3 cup brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon cardamom
  • 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 8 tablespoons (1 stick) cold butter, diced into small cubes
  • 2 tablespoons plain greek yogurt

    • Instructions:
    1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
    2. PREPARE PEACH FILLING: In a 12” cast-iron skillet (or pyrex dish), mix together the sliced peaches, honey, brown sugar, lemon juice, cornstarch, vanilla, cinnamon, cardamom and a pinch of salt.
    3. PREPARE CRISP TOPPING: In a medium mixing bowl, stir together the oats, almond meal, almonds, brown sugar, cinnamon, cardamom, and salt. Mix in the cubes of cold butter and use your hands to blend the butter into the other topping ingredients, until only pea-sized pieces of butter remain. Stir in 2 tablespoons of plain yogurt, until the mixture is moistened throughout.
    4. BAKE THE CRISP: Dollop spoonfuls of the oat mixture over the filling and use your fingers to break up the mixture until it is evenly distributed. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the filling is bubbling around the edges and the top is lightly golden. Allow to cool for 5 to 10 minutes before serving. Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or plain yogurt.