Microwave Peach Crisp

1 large or 2 smaller ripe peaches*
1/3 cup quick cooking oats
2 tablespoons dark brown sugar
2 tablespoons butter
dash of nutmeg

Peel and slice the peaches into two custard cups (or one small microwave-safe casserole) until cups are almost full. Mix the rest of the ingredients in a glass measuring cup. Microwave** on high, uncovered, until the butter melts and the oats soften (60-70 seconds). Stir the topping and spoon over the peaches. Microwave uncovered for about two minutes (rotating the cups after one minute), until the peaches are soft. Serve warm or at room temperature, topped with vanilla ice cream or frozen yogurt.

*Variation: This recipe can be made with apples or pears, but add teaspoon cinnamon.

**Microwave ovens vary depending on wattage. The cooking time here is according to my microwave.

PEANUT NUT BUTTER BARS

1 stick unsalted butter, softened

1 cup packed light brown sugar

1/2 cup creamy peanut butter

1 large egg, at room temperature

1 tablespoon pure vanilla flavoring

1 cup all-purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon salt

8 ounces white chocolate, chopped divided into two 4 oz. portions

8 ounces semisweet chocolate, chopped divided into two 4 oz. portions


1 cup chopped pecans, toasted and divided into two 1/2-cup portions

Preheat the oven to 325 degrees. Line an 8 x 8 pan with aluminum foil and butter the foil. Put the butter and sugar in a large bowl and blend until smooth using the electric mixer on medium speed. Beat in the peanut butter until smooth. Stir the egg and vanilla together in a bowl and add to the peanut butter mixture until combined. In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Add to the butter mixture and combine well. Stir in 1 portion each of the white and semisweet chocolates and combine. Add 1 portion of the pecans and mix until combined. Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the center is soft but no longer runny. Remove the pan from the oven and immediately sprinkle the remaining white and semisweet chocolates over the top. Cover the pan with aluminum foil and set aside to let the chocolates melt. When melted, swirl the chocolates together with the tip of a sharp knife to make a marbleized effect. Sprinkle the remaining pecans over the top. Let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.

A BOUNTIFUL KITCHEN

Cheddar Pear Cobbler

2 cans pear halves
2 Teaspoon cornstarch
1/4 Teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 Cup Unbleached flour
1-1/2 Teaspoon baking powder
6 Ounce sharp cheddar cheese
1/4 Cup Milk
1 Teaspoon Sugar
1 Teaspoon Lemon juice

topping
1/3 Cup Sugar
1/2 Teaspoon Salt
1/3 Cup Butter; melted

Heat the oven to 425 Degrees F. Drain the pears, reserving the syrup. Combine the sugar, cornstarch and cinnamon in a saucepan and add the syrup and lemon juice. Heat until the syrup thickens then boil for 1 minute. Remove the pan from the heat and add the pears. Spoon the pears and the syrup into a 9-inch square baking pan. Combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt and cheddar, mixing well. Add the butter and milk, mixing until well blended. Spoon the dough over the pears, then bake for 25 to 30 minutes in the preheated oven. Serve hot with Vanilla Ice Cream or Whipped Cream.

Apple Fritter Rings

1 egg
2/3-cup milk
1-tspn vegetable oil
1-cup all-purpose flour
2-tbspn sugar
1-tspn baking powder
dash of salt
5 large tart apples (Cameos or Granny Smith or our personal favs)
1-1/2 cups vegetable oil
1/4-cup sugar
1/2-tspn cinnamon

In a bowl, beat egg, milk and oil. Combine flour, sugar, baking powder and salt; stir into egg mixture until smooth (batter will be thick). Peel, core and cut apples into 1/2-in rings. Dip rings into batter; and deep fry a few at a time, until all are golden. Drain on paper towels. Combine sugar and cinnamon; sprinkle over hot fritter. Serve warm. (2 dozen)