A Trip to the Ranch and Blueberry-Peach Crisp

Tex here, swinging in from a relaxing weekend at the ranch. Wish it could have been longer, but marching band started yesterday, which means we may not get to escape the city anytime in the near future.

 

But we had fun, nonetheless. The kids did what they love to do--shoot guns, hike/ride through the woods, fish, and prep their deer stands for fall.

 

This is the camp house, our little getaway tucked in the middle of nowhere. You can tell by the mess on the front porch that it was well used this weekend. Towels and swimsuits line the railing and, of course, no camp house is complete with a potato launcher (that tall, skinny white thing on the right). You just never know when you might come under attack.

 

The ranch, or farm as we call it, spans about 1500 acres in all and every place has a name. Names that have been around for over a century, like the Beverly Opening, President's Ridge, The Hog Pasture, Tanyard Branch, Walnut Hill.... Mention those names, and most folks in the area know exactly where you're talking about.

 

This weekend, we decided to take a jaunt up to Walnut Hill. Now there are only a few ways you can get there. Walk, horseback, or Polaris. And let's face it, the Polaris is quicker and more fun. Especially when the temp is in the 90's.

 

After a long, hot day of riding the range, mowing, and mending fences, there's nothing better than a dip in the hot tub. The Hillbilly Hot Tub, that is.

 

Yep, it's a horse trough. Not that any horses have ever used it. We bought this when the boys were little. Actually, they both learned how to swim in it. But at the end of the day, it belongs to mom and dad. Doesn't my man look happy? Nice and refreshed. Ribs and chicken are cooking in the background, we're sippin' a cold drink, and talking about the day.

 

Then it's time for some grub and a fruity, rustic dessert that starts with some peaches and a pint of blueberries.

 

 

The blueberries refused to pose with the peaches while they were still fuzzy, so I had no choice but skin the peaches. Simply dunk them in boiling water for 10-15 seconds...

And the skin will slide right off.

 

Now slice your skinless peaches into a bowl, add the blueberries, about 1/3 cup of sugar, the juice of half a lemon (about a teaspoon) and stir to combine.

The blueberries don't mind cozying up with the peaches now that they've shaved. :)

 

Pour the mixture into a buttered baking pan.

In a small bowl, mix together 1/2 cup of oatmeal, 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1/4 cup flour, and 1/4 - 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon. You could also add some chopped nuts, if you like. I do, but didn't have any.

 

Using forks or a pastry cutter, cut in 1/4 cup (half a stick) chilled butter until mixture is nice and crumbly.

 

Pour over top of fruit.

 



Bake at 350 for 30 minutes, or until top is browned and fruit is nice and bubbly.

You can serve it hot or cold, but I like mine warm with a scoop of Bluebell Homemade Vanilla.

Mmm.... What better way to end a truly spectacular day.



 

If you had the opportunity for a quick weekend getaway, what would be your idea of fun?