Peach and Berry Cobbler

Ingredients

For the fruit mixture:

• 6 large, ripe peaches, peeled, pitted, and cut into 1/4-inch slices (about 5 cups)
• 3 tablespoons quick-cooking tapioca
• 5 tablespoons granulated sugar
• Pinch salt
• 1 1/2 cups boysenberries or raspberries
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

For the pastry and toppings:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting work surface
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 4 tablespoons firmly packed light or dark brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 3/4 stick (6 tablespoons) cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
• 1 3/4 cups plus 1 tablespoon heavy cream
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

In a large bowl, combine peaches, tapioca, sugar, and salt. Gently mix in berries and vinegar. Taste for balance and add more vinegar, if desired. Spoon mixture into an 8 by 8-inch baking dish.

In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, salt, 3 tablespoons brown sugar, and baking powder. Work in the butter using your fingers or a pastry cutter until the mixture forms large pea sized lumps. This can also be done with the paddle attachment of a stand mixer, or with brief pulses in a food processor. Slowly mix in 3/4 cup heavy cream until just combined.

Gather dough together into a ball and knead gently on a lightly floured board until it holds together. Roll out to 1/2-inch thickness. Using a 3-inch round or star cutter, cut dough into shapes. Place them decoratively on the fruit mixture. Brush pastry with 1 tablespoon of cream and then sprinkle with remaining 1 tablespoon brown sugar. Bake until pastry is golden brown and the fruit is bubbly, about 40 minutes. Put cobbler under broiler for a few seconds to brown pastry, if necessary.

Beat remaining 1 cup of cream in a medium bowl with a whisk or electric mixer on high. Gradually beat in 1/4 cup granulated sugar. Beat until it holds soft peaks, and then add the vanilla. Serve with cobbler.