Storage Tips

Room temp: Cover skillet with a clean tea towel up to 6 hr—the crust stays crisp and the filling remains just warm. Beyond that, the fruit begins to ferment in balmy kitchens.

Refrigerate: Transfer wedges to an airtight container; refrigerate up to 4 days. Reheat single portions 20 sec in microwave + 3 min under broiler to resurrect crunch.

Freeze: Cool completely, wrap whole skillet in plastic then foil, freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in fridge; reheat 25 min at 325 °F covered, 10 min uncovered.

Ice cream storage: Press plastic wrap directly onto surface before sealing pint; prevents crystallization so every scoop stays funeral-parlor smooth.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use canned peaches?

Yes—drain two 29-oz cans, save ¼ cup juice, omit the ¾ cup sugar in Step 2, and skip the maceration time. The flavor is milder, but still crowd-pleasing.

My crust came out gummy—what happened?

Either the dough was too warm when it hit the oven, or the filling was extra-juicy. Next time, freeze the assembled cobbler 15 min before baking, and add an extra teaspoon of tapioca.

Can I halve the recipe?

Absolutely—use a 9-inch cake pan or 8-inch skillet. Baking time drops to 22 min at 350 °F after the initial 400 °F blast.

Is this recipe suitable for a slow cooker?

Yes—prepare filling in skillet as written, transfer to a 6-qt slow cooker. Top with rolled dough, lay a paper towel under the lid to absorb condensation, cook high 2½–3 hr. The crust will be soft, more like a dumpling, but flavors remain stellar.

How do I transport this to a potluck?

Cool 45 min, cover skillet with a tight double layer of foil, then a thick towel for insulation. Slide into a laundry basket lined with a beach towel—stable, level, and warm for up to 90 min.

What’s the symbolism behind violet sugar?

Purple was Dr. King’s signature color, representing royalty, dignity, and the union of blue (justice) and red (sacrifice). A light sprinkle on crust is an edible reminder that the dream is both beautiful and unfinished.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day Peach and Cobbler with Vanilla Ice

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Martin Luther King Jr. Day Peach and Cobbler with Vanilla Ice

Love this? Pin it for later! A soul-warming tribute in every spoonful—this peach cobbler is baked with love, history, and a crowning scoop of vanilla ice. It’s the…

Prep—

Cook—

Serves—

Ingredients

3 lbs ripe yellow peaches, peeled and sliced ½-inch thick
¾ cup granulated sugar
⅓ cup packed dark brown sugar
1 Tbsp lemon juice + ½ tsp zest
1 Tbsp cornstarch
1 Tbsp quick-cooking tapioca
½ tsp ground cinnamon
¼ tsp ground nutmeg
Pinch ground cloves
8 Tbsp unsalted butter, divided
¼ cup vegetable shortening
2 cups + 2 Tbsp all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
¼ tsp baking soda
¾ tsp salt
¾ cup cold buttermilk
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 large egg white (for wash)
1 Tbsp violet sanding sugar (or turbinado)
1 pint vanilla bean ice cream, softened slightly

Instructions

Brown peaches: Melt 2 Tbsp butter in 12-inch cast-iron over medium-high. Sear peach slices in batches 90 sec per side; transfer to bowl.
Macerate: Toss hot peaches with both sugars, lemon, spices, cornstarch, and tapioca; rest 15 min.
Make dough: Whisk flour, baking powder, soda, salt, and ¼ cup sugar. Cut in 6 Tbsp cold butter and shortening until pea-size. Stir in buttermilk and vanilla; knead 3–4 folds. Chill 10 min.
Assemble: Return peaches to skillet; roll dough ⅓-inch thick, drape over fruit, crimp edges. Cut vents, brush with egg white, sprinkle violet sugar.
Bake: 400 °F lowest rack 10 min, reduce to 350 °F, bake 25 min until crust is mahogany and juices bubble thickly.
Serve: Cool 20 min; spoon into bowls and crown with vanilla ice cream.