Peach Crumb Bars

I love eating peaches when they're a little soft, but still has a little bite to it, and juicy. Peach season is usually at its peak of yumminess around summertime. And during that peak, I like to buy my peaches at Costco or the local farmer's market because they always have the sweetest peaches. Well, I got too excited when I saw them at Costco this past weekend. Without thinking that it was not even summer yet, I bought a box home that cost almost $10. What a huge mistake. The peaches were still too crunchy and not at all sweet. Hubby asked if I could do something else with them because they'll all be going to waste. Luckily, the Brown Eyed Baker was featuring her favorite Bar Dessert recipes the other day and her list included a Peach Crumb Bar recipe. What perfect timing.

The recipe was pretty easy. The hardest part was cutting the butter into the flour mixture. I always hate having to do that whenever a recipe calls for it. But it was well worth it, because it turned my sour peaches into something delicious. Hubby was pleased with it, especially since we didn't have to waste a $10 box of peaches.

Dough

3 cups all purpose flour

1 cup sugar

1 tsp. baking powder

1/4 tsp. salt

2 sticks unsalted butter, cold and cut into 1 Tbsp. pieces

1 egg, lightly beaten

Filling

5 cups diced peaches (about 7 peaches, peeled)

2 Tbsp. lemon juice

1/2 cup all purpose flour

1 cup sugar

1/4 tsp. salt

1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon

1/4 tsp. ground nutmeg

1) Preheat oven to 375 deg F. Grease a 9 x 13 inch baking pan.

2) For the dough: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder and salt. Using a pastry cutter (or 2 knives, or forks), cut butter into the mixture. Mix in the egg. Dough will be crumbly. Press half of the dough into the prepared pan. Refrigerate pan and remaining dough while making the filling.

3) For the filling: Place diced peaches in a large bowl. Sprinkle with lemon juice. Mix gently. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, salt, cinnamon and nutmeg. Pour over peaches and gently mix.

4) Spread peach mixture over the crust. Crumble the remaining dough over the peach mixture. Bake for 45 minutes or until the top is slightly brown. Cool completely before cutting into squares.