Life is better than death, I believe, if only because it is less boring and because it has fresh peaches in it.

I always get the urge to bake when the weather turns cool, and this spiced peach cobbler is just the right sort of warm deliciousness that's perfect for fall. Plus, it smells amazing while it's in the oven, filling my apartment with an intoxicating aroma.

Ingredients:
For the fruit filling:
-6 to 8 cups peeled and sliced peaches
-1/4 cup white or packed light brown sugar
-1/8 teaspoon each ground ginger, cloves, and nutmeg
-1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
-2 tablespoons flour

For the topping:
-1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
-1/3 cup sugar
-1 teaspoon baking powder
-1/2 teaspoon baking soda
-1/2 teaspoon salt
-6 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
-1/2 cup buttermilk
-1/2 teaspoon vanilla
-1 egg and extra sugar for sprinkling on top (optional)

In a large bowl, toss the peaches with the sugar, spices, and flour. In another bowl, mix the dry ingredients for the topping, then add the butter, mixing in with your fingers until it forms coarse crumbs. Stir in the buttermilk and vanilla until dough clings together. If dough is too dry, add more buttermilk. Put the fruit mixture in a lightly buttered baking dish (I used 8x8, but a bit larger than that would be better), and drop the dough on top in clumps for the "cobbled" appearance. Brush the top with an egg and sprinkle with sugar. Bake at 375 degrees for 25 minutes, or until fruit juice is bubbling at the sides and the top is golden brown.

If you can't get good peaches, I've also made a similar dish with apples (easier to find in autumn) with a teaspoon of cinnamon, 2 tablespoons of sugar, and a splash of lemon juice.

*Post title is a quote by Thomas Walker.