While the peaches are defrosting, make the cobbler topping. In a bowl, combine the biscuit mix with water. Stir until thoroughly combined but don't overwork. In another bowl, combine the 1/2 cup sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, the nutmeg, allspice, black pepper, salt and raisins.

Remove peaches from the microwave and combine with the sugar mixture in the baking dish. Top the seasoned peaches with the wet biscuit mix, using your fingers to press it out until even. Top the biscuit mix with almonds. Mix together the remaining 1 teaspoon cinnamon and 2 tablespoons sugar and sprinkle over the top. Bake until the cobbler top is firm and lightly golden and peaches are bubbly and hot, about 20-25 minutes.

Serve warm as is, or with ice cream or whipped cream. — "Food Network Favorites"(Meredith, $29.95)

PEACH CHUTNEY

This recipe was created by Gerard Gander, a southern California chef, for the California Tree Agreement's chef's contest.

6 large peaches, peeled

3 tablespoons olive oil

2 medium red onions, chopped

1 medium red bell pepper, seeded and chopped

2 medium green bell peppers, seeded and chopped

1 tablespoon jalapeno pepper, seeded and chopped

3 cups peach nectar

1 cup orange juice concentrate

1 cup champagne vinegar

8 ounces brown sugar

Salt and cracked black pepper, to taste

Cut the peaches in half and remove the pits. Slice peach halves into 1/2-inch slices. Set aside. Over high heat, saute peppers and onion in olive oil until transparent. Add peach nectar, orange juice concentrate, champagne vinegar and brown sugar; bring to a boil and cook until reduced by half (by volume). Add peaches and bring to a boil; reduce heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes. Remove from heat and season with fresh cracked black pepper and salt to taste. Serve with pork or chicken. Makes 6 cups. — Adapted from California Tree Agreement

PEACH FACIAL SCRUB

1 tablespoon honey

2 tablespoons fresh ripe peach, peeled and pureed

1 tablespoon granulated sugar

1 tablespoon oatmeal

Combine ingredients. Spread mixture on face and massage with fingertips using light, circular motions. Rinse with cool water. — "Peach 101: Recipes Your Mother Never Told You About," by Lori Nawyn

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E-mail: vphillips@desnews.com