Birthday Indulgence

The fact that Andy, Emily and I all have our birthdays within three weeks makes for some interesting celebrating. I haven't had cake for my birthday since Emily was born. After two cakes in two weeks, who wants a third the next week? Usually, I've opted for a pie. Last year, when Emily was living five hours away, we just scheduled one big "birthday bash." Okay, that one did include cake for me too! This year, we had three separate birthday meals again and the requisite desserts as well. Emily made this for my dessert and it was so very delicious!

Peach Raspberry Crisp

10-12 ripe peaches
zest of one orange
1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
1 cup brown sugar, packed
1 1/2 cups plus 2-3 tablespoons flour
1/2 pint raspberries
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup oatmeal
1/2 pound cold, unsalted butter

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Butter inside of a large oval baking dish.

Immerse peaches in boiling water for 30 seconds, turning once or twice. Then place in ice water to halt cooking. Peel peaches when they are cool enough to handle and slice into thick wedges. Add orange zest, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, 1/2 cup brown sugar and 2 tablespoons of flour. Toss well and gently mix in raspberries. Allow mixture to sit for 5 minutes. Add another tablespoon of flour if there is a lot of liquid. Pour into baking dish.

Combine 1 1/2 cup flour, 1 cup granulated sugar, 1/2 cup brown sugar, salt, and oatmeal. Cut in cold butter until it is pea-sized and mixture is crumbly. Spread evenly on top of fruit mixture. Bake for 1 hour until top is browned and juice is bubbly. Serve warm...with whipped cream or ice cream!


After three weeks of celebrating, its feeling like the other holiday season...the one that begins with Thanksgiving and ends after Christmas. I've thoroughly enjoyed this but I'm glad my birthday has finally come and gone. Its time to get back to more normal dietary patterns around here or none of my clothes are going to fit!