Cast-Iron Apple Cobbler

Ingredients

• 6.75 ounces all-purpose flour (about 1 1/2 cups), divided
• 12 cups thinly sliced peeled Fuji apple (about 4 pounds)
• 2/3 cup sugar, divided
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 3/4 teaspoon salt, divided
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 cup water
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/4 cup chilled butter, cut into small pieces
• 1 cup low-fat buttermilk

Preparation

1. 1. Preheat oven to 375°.
2. 2. Weigh or lightly spoon flour into dry measuring cups; level with a knife. Combine 2.25 ounces (about 1/2 cup) flour, apple, 1/3 cup sugar, 2 tablespoons butter, vanilla, 1/2 teaspoon salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a large bowl, tossing well. Spoon into a large cast-iron Dutch oven. Add 1/2 cup water.
3. 3. Combine remaining 4.5 ounces (about 1 cup) flour, remaining 1/3 cup sugar, remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt, and baking powder in a medium bowl; cut in 1/4 cup butter with a pastry blender or 2 knives until mixture resembles coarse meal. Add buttermilk; stir until just moist. Drop batter by tablespoonfuls over apple mixture. Bake at 375° for 1 hour or until bubbly and browned. Serve warm.