Peach Slice!

Absolutely delicious and more-ish this slice is beautiful for morning or afternoon tea but can easily wear party shoes and be served with ice-cream or warm custard for a decadent dessert!

I have used peaches this time but in the past I've used frozen berries, pears and apples- whatever fruit you use this slice is sure to become a favourite!

(Serves 8 for tea or 6 for dessert)

Ingredients:

1.5 cups plain flour

125 g chilled cubed butter

1.5 tsp baking powder + 1/2 tsp extra

1 tsp cinnamon

1/2 cup brown sugar

1/2 cup castor sugar

3/4 cup milk

1 tsp vanilla extract

1 egg

1 cup of your fruit of choice (I used tinned peaches and drained them well- if you use frozen fruit use it whilst frozen and bake straight away)

Method:

Prepare a 20 x 20 cm tray by lining it with baking paper. Pre-heat the oven to 180 C.

In a large bowl place the the butter, 1.5 tsp baking powder and flour.

Rub them together until they resemble breadcrumbs.

Mix in the sugars.

Roughly divide in half (you can weigh each half but rough measurements will do!).

Press half of the dry mixture into the tin aiming to cover all of the surface.

Lay the fruit on top of the pressed mixture.

Add the 1/2 tsp baking powder to the rest of the crumb mixture.

Mix the egg, milk and vanilla. and pour the liquid mix into the remaining crumb mixture.

Pour over the fruit and place in the oven to bake for 1 hour.

Leave to cool in the tin and unmould.

Cut into cubes and serve with tea or coffee.

Enjoy!

Nutritional Facts:

• Peaches, nectarines and most stone fruit are not only the ultimate summer treat but they are also packed with vitamin C, betacarotene and potassium (a mineral that helps defend against high blood pressure and stroke).
• It's ok to used canned/tinned varieties as long as they have been packed in juice.

Other ways with peaches:

• Top pancakes with peaches and vanilla yoghurt.
• Poach peaches in sugar syrup or wine and rosewater, cool in syrup and serve with a dollop of cream or icre-cream.
• Grill peeled, peach halves and toss with a little vinaigrette, rocket, toasted hazelnuts and prosciutto for a quick salad.
• Blend peaches with yoghurt for a delicious smoothie.
• Add chopped dry peaches to your breakfast muesli.
• Sprinkle cinnamon on peach slices and pan fry with a little butter. Smear toasted brioche slices with ricotta and top with panfried peaches.