Before diving into the April 16th column I’d like to re-visit the April 9th column featuring a new healthy avocado dip. This past week I found myself purchasing packages of the pre-packaged avocado dips/spreads. These can be found at many grocery stores and large retail/grocery stores. As I indicated last week, our son, Phillip, has found a real connection to avocado spreads of all kinds. As I cruised through the pre-made section at the local Wally World I had a little epiphany.
When I was growing up the ‘big’ grocery store trip was made only every two weeks. We didn’t run back to the store in between because that was costly. At times the closest grocery store was Quincy, IL. If you wanted an avocado before the next grocery run it just didn’t happen. The pre-made packaging can come in handy for those living in areas quite a distance from town. We use the small six packs of guacamole stirred into salad dressings and sauces. Use the mixes for wraps, salads and appetizers. I realize times have changed but with our busy lifestyles this is truly a handy product to keep on hand.
Some of you are asking yourselves, ‘Doesn’t this lady use fresh avocados?’ Well, of course; and they’re by far the best. There are however times for the
pre-packaged approach. The quick fix method will be great inside a lunchbox or on a picnic. Use them in the backpack for a high mountain hike. Or in the RV for the next weekend getaway.
Gear change to peach cobbler. There are so many different styles and types of fruit cobblers, where do we begin! The Cheater’s Peach Cobbler is not only a quick recipe, it’s also delicious. There’s also many opportunities to switch out the type of fruit implemented along with the flavor of cake mix.
I prepared this dish the first time for one of our ‘back-porch’ events at Silver Dollar City. The feedback was overwhelming with guests requesting the recipe.
Personally I suggest a nice scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream to embellish the dessert.
The past week has been outstanding. We purchased Phillip’s suit for prom along with all the extras. He looked so handsome and grown-up when he stood in front of the three-way mirror. Ervin and I are blessed, so very blessed.
This week I’m planting new perennials and doing spring cleaning. Throw that in with 3 track meets, its going to be one busy affair! Embrace your loved ones and those who may be alone in the journey of life. Simply yours, The Covered Dish
Cheater’s Peach Cobbler
- Butter Pecan or regular Butter Cake mix
1/2 cup chopped pecans for bottom
1/2 cup brown sugar
- 28-29 ounce can heavy syrup sliced peaches
Top
3/4 cup melted butter
1/2 teaspoon maple flavoring
1/2 cup chopped pecans
Pour can of peaches across the bottom of a greased 9 x 13 baking pan.
Evenly sprinkle down the pecans and brown sugar over the peaches. Over the fruit sprinkle the cake mix, again spreading evenly.
For the top of the cobbler melt the butter and stir in the maple flavoring.
Drizzle this across the cake mix as equally distributed as possible. Finish with the last 1/2 cup chopped pecans over the top.
Place in a 350 degree oven and bake until the top is golden brown. Outer rim of cobbler should also be boiling.
Plan on this serving 8-10 persons not the traditional 12 servings from a 9 x 13 baking pan. If you’re from the country you’ll want a bit of cream over your cobbler. Vanilla or cinnamon ice cream or whipped cream are also good additions.
When this was done baking it seemed very loosey goosey and I worried that it wouldn’t set up. After cooling it was just fine. I also could not get any butter pecan cake mixes when I first created this on September 6, 2014. The alternative was a regular butter cake mix.
Fresh peaches would be a super alternative, you would just have to sweeten them and maybe add a bit of cinnamon. You’ll also need about a cups worth of liquid for the bottom. This could be made with peach or apricot nectar and a bit of cornstarch.
Debbie Dance Uhrig