Sunday, October 16, 2016

Cast Iron: Peach Kuchen in 12" Dutch Oven

Cast Iron:  Peach Kuchen in a 12" Dutch Oven


You might ask:  "What the heck is Kuchen?"   The German origin word means "cake"  I have tried several versions.  It can be a raised yeast dough or traditional cake form...  I chose the cake form today.. very much like a fruity coffee cake.  I mean, it's cinnamon and peaches... can't go wrong there!!!  

My husband's family has deep German roots, with some members coming to America in the 1700's.  The family name was Americanized but they do love their desserts!! 

Peach Kuchen

Dough:
1/2 c. Sugar
2 c. Flour
3 tsp. Baking Powder
1/2 tsp. salt
2 TBS Shortening or Lard
Mix with a fork until all the ingredients are incorporated.
To this add 1 egg, plus enough milk to equal 1c.... whipped.

I pressed the dough into the bottom of a 12" Dutch oven, making a well by pushing the edges of the dough up the side of the oven.  Any fruit will work, preferably fresh, but these were canned peaches as I didn't have any fresh on hand.  After the fruit is placed in the well add the following:

Topping:  Whisk 1 c. Sugar, 3 heaping TBS of flour, 1 tsp of cinnamon...  top the fruit and to the top of that add 4 TBS of cold butter thinly sliced around the topping.  Bake at 375 for 35-40 minutes until nicely brown and the topping is bubbling. 

Cool slightly and serve with your favorite brand of vanilla ice cream.  I love Tillamook Vanilla Bean Ice Cream.  Or you can use cream or whipped cream...  Whatever floats your boat!



Traditions: Carrying On

Traditions:  Carrying On

Another successful harvest.  YEP... harvest.  Despite the best efforts of those who seek to rape the resources, trespass, poach and generally give hunting season a bad name, the requisite 2 bucks were harvested... a few pheasants.  It's all about managing the resources and respecting property owners rights.

Coming up on the 3rd generation of hunting in this area, and it's all about the adults teaching their kids HOW to hunt, selective hunting, and having great quality family time.  Grandpas, Grandmas,moms, dads and friends all work to teach the next generation. 
Daralyn, Orrin and Leona
Love those smiles!
Next generation Justin

Breaking bread with a long time friends son.

Next generation Haiden learning from Grandpa Rick and friends.