Paula Dean's Peach Cobler

4 cups peeled, sliced peaches
2 cups sugar, divided
1/2 cup water
8 tablespoons butter
1 1/2 cups self-rising flour
1 1/2 cups milk
Ground cinnamon, optional

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Combine the peaches, one cup sugar, & water in a saucepan & mix well. Bring to a boil & simmer for 10 minutes. Remove from the heat.

Put the butter in a 3-quart baking dish & place in oven to melt.

Mix remaining 1 cup sugar, flour, & milk slowly to prevent clumping. Pour mixture over melted butter. Do not stir. Spoon fruit on top, gently pouring in syrup. Sprinkle top with ground cinnamon, if using. Batter will rise to top during baking. Bake for 30 to 45 minutes.

To serve, scoop onto a plate & serve with your choice of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.

Or

Make with Granny Smith apples (5-6) in lieu of peaches, & add cinnamon, nutmeg & cloves to the simmering fruit.

(Food Network)