Momotaro, Polvo, Peaches, and Crisp

One of the literary heroes that I like to introduce my second graders to is a boy named Momotaro (the card to the right features a likeness of him and was designed by Kimiko Shiga). Momotaro is a Japanese hero whose name is usually translated to mean Peach Boy. He is called this because legend has it that he floated down from heaven in a peach. There is an older, sexier version of why he is referred to this way, but for obvious reasons I don't share that one with the kids.

Why do we talk about Momotaro? There are a couple reasons. First, it gives them a hero they can relate to, not a muscle bound, web flinging, flying one, but a kid just like them. Second, it gives me the opportunity to bring in peaches for everyone to enjoy. After all, they are such a wonderful fruit.

I enjoy peaches plain, fresh off the back of the farmer's truck. But occasionally I want something else from these Japanese symbols of fertility. In those instances I bake up a delectable peach crisp which is perfect for midsummer through early fall.

Momotaro Peach Crisp
Printable version

-4 peaches
-2/3 cup brown sugar
-1/2 cup all purpose flour
-1/2 cup oats
-1/2 cup walnuts
-3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
-3/4 teaspon ground nutmeg
1/3 cup of unsalted butter softened


1. Heat oven to 375 degrees. Peel and slice the peaches. Arrange in greased square pan (8x8x2).

2. Mix the remaining ingredients and sprinkle over the peaches.

3. Bake until the topping is golden and the peaches are tender. Serve warm. Top with ice cream, if you desire.

My advice is to try to make this crisp last more than one day. J-Fur and I are always unsuccessful.

Recently reunited noise rock band Polvo have leaked the first song off their new album, In Prism, which is due out in September. How appropriate, the song is titled Beggar's Bowl.



I know the video for her new single "Lose You" has been in the blogosphere for a little over a month, but is there a better artist to include with a peach cobbler than Peaches?