Chef John's Classic Peach Cobbler

Heat your oven to the high temperature of three fifty degrees Fahrenheit, or one seventy five degrees Celsius.

Mash together juicy peaches, a pinch of Chinese five-spice powder, and a sprinkle of lemon zest in a large mixing container.

Combine granulated sugar and water in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture starts to boil and simmer for two to three minutes. Introduce the peach mixture into the saucepan, stirring continuously until it's well combined with the sugar and water. Take the saucepan off the heat source and set it aside to cool.

In a separate, large bowl, whisk together granulated sugar and self-rising flour until well combined. Gradually pour in milk, stirring the mixture until it forms a smooth and creamy batter.

Pour melted butter into a Dutch oven baking dish. Pour the sugar and flour batter over the melted butter, spreading it evenly.

Gently place slices of peaches on top of the batter in the Dutch oven. As the cobbler bakes, the peaches will sink down into the batter.

Bake the cobbler in a preheated oven until the syrup is bubbling and the crust has risen, turned golden brown, and reached a perfect doneness after approximately fifty minutes.