Throwing a large-scale event and need a crowd-pleasing dessert? Look no further than this comprehensive guide on making a magnificent peach cobbler for 100 servings. This isn't your average recipe; it's a meticulously planned approach to ensuring a delicious and successful outcome for your gathering. We'll cover everything from ingredient sourcing to efficient baking and serving strategies.
Scaling Up: Ingredients for 100 Servings
Forget doubling or tripling a standard recipe; making a cobbler for 100 requires a strategic approach to ingredient quantities and preparation. This recipe assumes a generous serving size. You might need to adjust based on your guests and desired portion size.
For the Peach Filling:
- Peaches: 75 lbs fresh, ripe peaches, peeled and sliced (consider using a mix of yellow and white peaches for enhanced flavor and color). Tip: Purchase peaches in bulk from a local orchard or wholesale supplier for the best price and quality.
- Sugar: 15 cups granulated sugar (adjust to your desired sweetness level, considering the sweetness of the peaches).
- Cornstarch: 1 ½ cups cornstarch (to thicken the filling).
- Lemon Juice: 3 cups fresh lemon juice (to prevent browning and add brightness).
- Spices: 2 tbsp ground cinnamon, 1 tbsp ground nutmeg, ½ tbsp ground allspice (adjust to taste preferences).
- Butter: 2 cups unsalted butter, melted (adds richness and flavor).
For the Biscuit Topping:
- All-Purpose Flour: 30 cups all-purpose flour.
- Baking Powder: 6 tbsp baking powder.
- Salt: 3 tbsp salt.
- Sugar: 6 cups granulated sugar.
- Shortening: 6 cups vegetable shortening (or lard for a richer flavor).
- Milk: 9 cups buttermilk (or whole milk with 1 ½ cups white vinegar or lemon juice added for a buttermilk substitute).
- Butter: 3 cups unsalted butter, cut into small pieces (for flaky biscuits).
Preparation and Baking: A Step-by-Step Guide
This process is best tackled with a team! Divide and conquer to streamline the preparation.
1. Peach Filling Preparation:
- Peach Prep: Organize a peach-peeling and slicing assembly line. Consider using a commercial peeler if you have access to one. Efficiency is key here.
- Combine Ingredients: In large, commercial-sized mixing bowls, gently combine the sliced peaches, sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and spices. Mix thoroughly to ensure even distribution.
- Melt Butter: Melt the butter separately and add it to the peach mixture just before baking.
2. Biscuit Topping Preparation:
- Dry Ingredients: Whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar in large bowls.
- Cut in Shortening: Cut in the shortening using a pastry blender or your hands until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add Milk: Gradually add the buttermilk, mixing until just combined. Don't overmix.
- Add Butter: Gently fold in the cold, cubed butter pieces.
3. Assembly and Baking:
- Baking Dishes: You'll need multiple large, disposable aluminum roasting pans (9x13 inches or similar). Consider using 15-20 pans.
- Filling: Evenly distribute the peach filling among the prepared pans.
- Topping: Drop spoonfuls of the biscuit dough over the filling, creating a rustic topping.
- Baking: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for approximately 45-60 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. Baking time may vary depending on your oven and the size of the pans. It's crucial to rotate the pans halfway through to ensure even baking.
Serving and Storage
- Cooling: Let the cobblers cool slightly before serving. This allows the filling to set and makes them easier to handle.
- Serving: Serve warm, possibly with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Tips for Success
- Prepare Ahead: The peach filling can be prepared a day ahead and refrigerated. The biscuit dough can also be made in advance and refrigerated.
- Equipment: Having the right equipment makes all the difference. Invest in large mixing bowls, commercial-sized baking pans, and a reliable oven.
- Teamwork: This recipe is best made with a team! Assign tasks to make the process more efficient.
- Taste Test: Adjust the sugar and spice levels to your preferences before making the full batch.
This detailed guide provides a solid foundation for creating a memorable peach cobbler for 100 servings. Remember to adapt based on your specific needs and resources. Enjoy the process and the delicious results!
