This Sunday morning, I have decided to plan us a nice get-a-way in the Hill Country. Our good friend Jason was really nice to let us borrow his motorcycle to do this little trip. Here’s my plan for that day – Brunch buffet at La Normandie Restaurant, then ride through the Medina Lake area through the Hill Country to Marburger Orchard outside of Fredericksburg to pick some peaches.

It was sunny and the weather was perfect for a long bike ride. We did not think the scooter would be up for the task since we would like to ride a little faster than 50/mph~

The food at La Normandie never disappoint. We each got some salad, cheese, main dishes, and then pack down 6 different desserts from the dessert table~ Man, we were full…

The ride through Medina Lake area was nice. The hilly roads made nice scenery for the two-hour ride to the Marburger Orchard.

We got there a little late this time – 3PM… Gary, the owner of the orchard, told us that there was a big turn out on Saturday and there were not much peaches left for picking. It would be difficult for late comers, but not impossible to find ripen peaches. As Gary explain the secrets of peach picking, one guy came back from the orchard all upset saying that it was impossible to pick ripe peaches and that Gary should have put up “Closed” sign way ahead of time.He was making a big scene and everyone just kind of chuckled and moved on. He was picking Sentinel, the more popular of the three available that day.

I got the small peach box and decided to pick Gala Peaches. Gary thinks there is more chances of finding ripen Gala peaches to pick than the Sentinel variety. I trust the man, it is his orchard after all.

Well, I was lucky to find lots of ripen, or close to ripen peaches to pick. Since we are taking the peaches back on the motorcycle. I really did not want the completely ripen ones, they would be crushed. So I spent a lot of time deciding and picking.

Ended up with close to $10 worth of beautiful Gala peaches. I can’t wait to take them home and wait till they ripen to eat and make my first peach cobbler.

Here’s my first attempt on making fresh peach cobbler. After searching 100′s of recipes, I decided make the Summer Fresh Peach Cobbler. I loosely place the dough over the filling to give it a rustic look. It was a great success! Loved it!

I put freshly grated nutmeg, ground cinnamon, vanilla bean, organic cane sugar and lemon juice to mix with the freshly picked peach for the filling.

I made more today with the left over filling and added blueberries and blackberries. Yum! I am so happy. My first successful baking attempt. And it is made with fruit that I had picked by myself!