I want to first begin by thanking you all and learning more about Black communities and culture with us! I’ve said this before, but our HBH community really does feel like family to me, you are all so special. That may seem weird for me to say, but it’s true. It’s important to me to take this opportunity to educate both myself and those who wish to listen. I feel food really helps to bring people together in such a loving way. Because of this, I have spent a good chunk of time this week researching African American cookbooks. I came upon Abby Fisher, one of the first African American cookbook authors. Born into slavery in the south, Abby and her family moved to San Francisco after the Civil War. It was in San Francisco that Abby began to receive notoriety for her cooking. She was eventually asked to publish a book on Southern cooking.
What Mrs. Fisher Knows About Old Southern Cooking, was published in 1881. The book was lost for almost eighty years after the famous earthquake of 1906. Fortunately, the book resurfaced at a Sotheby’s auction in 1984. In the preface of the book, Abby apologizes for not being able to read or write. She acknowledges that she had to dictate the book to friends, some of whom were the elite of San Francisco. Abby went on to start a business of her own where she made and sold pickles and preserves. The last known mention of her business is in an 1890 city directory. One of Abby’s most popular recipes from her book is her classic southern-style peach cobbler. I had so much fun reading about Abby and the way she made this classic cobbler her own. It inspired me to make my own version and to share her unique and inspiring story. I didn’t completely recreate her recipe…although I’m sure it’s delicious…but instead borrowed bits and pieces from it. Abby’s was just a little involved and I always try to simplify whenever possible.
So, what’s makes Abby’s recipe unique?
One of the unique aspects of this cobbler is the way that Abby used both a cobbler dough (so biscuits) and an oat crumble topping. Abby rolled the dough into a three-inch wide log, covered it in plastic wrap, and let the dough chill. Once chilled, she cut the dough into disks and placed them on top of the filling. She then created a topping to fill in between the disks. This method is unique to me and I wanted to replicate it. However, I decided to omit the oats Abby used and instead, use a simple butter, flour, cinnamon topping. As I read through the comments from those who purchased this book, it sounded as if they too used this book as a guide and made their own modifications (for example, there are no cooking temps). You often ask where I find my inspiration. Family, nature, seasons…those are certainly some of my sources. But I also really love developing recipes in this way too. To be able to read an inspiring recipe like Abby’s, who has an incredible story, and run with it, yet still have that core inspiration. That’s how I thrive. That is how I am my most creative self. I didn’t expect to find so much pleasure exploring someone else’s recipe. And in the process, I learned something about black history too. I will definitely try this again, maybe even next week as a way to continue to highlight the Black food culture and history. I hope you’ll take some time this weekend to continue learning about Black history and discover something that inspires you! Fun Fact? Abby’s peach cobbler was once a favorite at Liberty Inn at American Adventure pavilion at Epcot. They sometimes serve it during Black history month.
So let’s talk details on this southern double crusted cinnamon sugar peach cobbler…
First, the biscuits. I’ve used this same method of making biscuits for the last few months and I am hooked. Never doing it any other way. Stacking the biscuits one on top of another to physically create layers is a game-changer. It truly creates the perfect flaky, buttery biscuit. Essentially you’re just cutting the biscuits, stacking them, and then rolling them out a second time. It’s kind of like laminating the biscuit dough. Next, freeze the biscuits for a few minutes before they go into the oven. While the biscuits spend time in the freezer, start on the peaches. Just like Abby, I used a simple mix of peaches (you can use fresh or frozen), brown sugar, bourbon, and vanilla. My only addition to Abby’s recipe is the bourbon and vanilla. I also opted out of using oatmeal in my crumble. Otherwise, I kept the filling and crumble pretty much the same! Sprinkle the crumble over the peaches. Add the biscuits, brush the tops with butter, and finish with a sprinkling of cinnamon sugar.
Finally, you bake…
Bake until the sauce bubbles up over the dish and the topping is a deep golden brown. By now your kitchen is smelling amazing. And if you’re anything like me, you’re probably close to jumping up and down with excitement. Yes, I do that…often. My favorite way to serve this cobbler? Family style, with a few scoops of vanilla ice cream right on top. There is truly nothing more delicious than eating this right out of the baking dish with a double scoop of ice cream. Roll. Your. Eyes. Back. Delicious!
Since we’re taking this week highlight the Black community, I also wanted to share few peach recipes from some Black chefs and bloggers…because really, we can never have too many peach recipes. Perfect timing with summer finally here! Peach Fritters from Grand Baby Cakes – I will be making these this summer. Summer Galettes from Benjamina Ebuehi – these are so pretty and I love the mix of peaches and blackberries. Pressure Cooker Peach Cobbler from Tia Mowry – you guys have to watch the video of Tia making this cobbler. YUM. Jerk Chicken Wings with Peach Salsa from All The Healthy Things – 100% my kind of recipe. LOVE a fruity salsa.
Other Cookbooks We found Written by Women Of Color
Whoa, long post, but it was a unique one, right? Question: I’d love to hear from anyone with a recipe inspired by the Black community? Or maybe I have some African American friends that can share their family favorites? I would truly love to hear, so please do share!
Looking for other HBH cobbler and peach recipes…try these! Blackberry Lavender Cobbler Skillet Strawberry Bourbon Cobbler Peaches and Cream Pretzel Pie Lastly, if you make this southern double crusted cinnamon sugar peach cobbler be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! Above all, I love to hear from you guys and always do my best to respond to each and every comment. And of course, if you do make this recipe, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram! Looking through the photos of recipes you all have made is my favorite!
