Carolina Cobbler

4 cups sliced peeled fresh or frozen peaches, thawed
1 cup sugar, divided
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
1/3 cup butter or margarine, melted
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
Pinch salt
3/4 cup milk
Vanilla ice cream, optional

In a bowl, gently toss peaches, 1/2 cup of sugar and extract; set aside. Pour butter into a 2-qt. baking dish. In a bowl, combine flour, baking powder, salt and remaining sugar; stir in milk. Mix well.

Pour evenly over butter (do not stir). Top with peach mixture. Bake at 350 degrees for 50-55 minutes or until golden brown. Serve with ice cream if desired. Makes 8 servings.