Peach Almond Cherry Crisp

Peaches and Cherries could be found in abundance this week. So, what is a girl to do but head to the kitchen, and make an easy dessert recipe highlighting these luscious summer beauties.  I added almonds for crunch and orange zest to enhance the flavors of the fruit.  The Kirsch, though optional,  highlights the whole cherry flavour.  Toasted almonds in the recipe add crunch and flavor.  To toast the almonds, simply spread them on an ungreased cookie sheet and place them in a 350 º F oven for 7-10 minutes.  Just remember to check on them to prevent them from burning.


Streusel Topping
!/2 cup brown sugar firmly packed
1/2 cup sliced almonds
2 tablespoons all purpose flour
1/4 cup soft butter
1/2 teaspoons cinnamon

In a small bowl add the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, butter and work with your fingers until it resembles very coarse meal. Toss in the almonds and combine. Set aside


Peach Almond Cherry  Crisp
4 cups peaches peeled and sliced
1 cup cherries pitted
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 cup Kirsch
1 heaping tablespoon cornstarch
zest of one small orange

In a 8" inch greased baking casserole, add the peaches, cherries, sugar, zest and Kirsch.  Add the cornstarch and toss to combine. Spread the streusel topping on the fruit and bake in a pre-heated oven for 40-45 minutes.  Serve warm with ice-cream