FOR THE DOUGH, PLACE FLOUR in a bowl and rub in butter until fine and mealy.
Do not allow to become pasty. Stir in 1 cup of the buttermilk, adding the
remainder if necessary. Press dough together on a floured surface, wrap in
plastic wrap and allow to rest while preparing filling. Preheat the oven to
450F and set a rack in the middle level. Place the peaches in a bowl and add
the remaining filling ingredients, except the butter. Toss well to combine and
pour filling into a 2-quart gratin dish or other baking dish. Distribute
pieces of the butter evenly on the filling. On a floured surface, with the
palms of the hands, press out the dough to the size of the baking dish and
slide a thin cookie sheet under it. Slide the dough onto the filling. Cut 3 or
4 vent holes in the crust with the point of a knife. Paint the top crust
evenly with the buttermilk and sprinkle with sugar. Bake the cobbler about 20
minutes, until crust is well-colored and filling is bubbling. Cool slightly on
a rack and serve warm or at room temperature.
