Anise Hyssop Peach Crisp (Garden Spells Recipe)
Magical realism abounds in Garden Spells by Sarah Addison Allen with herbs, a semi-sentient apple tree, and magic leaking out in the pages of this whimsical book. In the story we meet Claire Waverley who is an incredible cook that deftly weaves herbs into her dishes. With unusual combinations like chicken chamomile soup and nasturtium mayo smeared on tea cakes, her food is herb-infused and delicious. And so, peaches with anise hyssop-infused honey all tucked up in a summertime bookish recipe for peach crisp might just be something she would have on the menu!
The Waverley house is surrounded by a lush garden. Planted and tended to by generations, the garden is central to the story and the lives of the family. Herbs are perhaps called upon mostly for their magical properties in this story.
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“From The Waverley Kitchen Journal:
Anise Hyssop - Eases frustration and confusion”
In western herbalism, anise hyssop (Agastache foeniculum) is known as an aromatic herb that is used to help support the digestive system as a carminative. It also has an expectorant action that may support the body in easing congestion. Plus its mild licorice flavor is delicious!
Peaches, which I understand are emblematic of the American South, help to soothe with their demulcent mucilage and nutrient-rich flesh. They cool you down on a hot day and are delicious.
When I finished this book, I found myself at home with a big box of peaches from the local farmers’ market, a whole lot of anise hyssop in the garden, and an inspiration to bake like Claire Waverley.
Garden Spells Peach Crisp Recipe With Anise Hyssop Honey
The flavors in this anise hyssop peach crisp meld together perfectly. The anise hyssop is a whisper in the background that holds the flavor profile in place. If you want a stronger anise flavor, you could add a couple tablespoons of finely chopped anise hyssop leaves to the filling!
Ingredients
Topping:
1 cup unsalted butter, melted
2 cups thick rolled oats
2 cups almond flour
½ teaspoon salt
⅓ cup brown sugar (or ⅓ cup cane sugar mixed with 1 tablespoon molasses)
Filling:
4.5 pounds peaches, chopped (remove the peel if you wish!)
1 cup anise hyssop-infused honey or plain honey
3 tablespoons whole wheat flour
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Drizzle of molasses, about 1 teaspoon
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350°F.
Mix together the rolled oats, almond flour, salt, and sugar in a bowl.
Add the melted butter and stir well to combine.
In a separate bowl, add the chopped peaches, anise hyssop-infused honey (or plain honey), whole wheat flour, lemon juice, and drizzle of molasses.
Stir gently to combine the fruit with the other filling ingredients.
Place the peach filling in a large baking dish, such as a 9 x 13 dish.
Sprinkle the topping evenly over the peaches.
Bake for 40 to 45 minutes or until the filling is bubbly and the topping is lightly browned.
Enjoy with yogurt or ice cream!
Printable recipe card!
Use the button below to save and print the recipe card for your bookish baking!
Anise hyssop-infused honey features in Sweet Botanicals: A Cozy Guide To Herbal-Infuse Honey.
Content Warning: For my cozy friends please note that Garden Spells has content warnings for domestic abuse, physical violence, sexual assault, and abandonment.
Until next time, Nerdy Fairies, I hope you enjoy this literary dessert recipe. I wish for you that all of your baking will be delicious and magical!