Contest-Winning Peach Cobbler

Directions

1. Drain peaches, reserving 1/2 cup syrup for the sauce. In a large bowl, combine peaches, brown sugar, tapioca, cinnamon if desired, lemon juice and vanilla. Transfer to an ungreased 11x7-in. baking dish. Let stand for 15 minutes.
2. In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder and salt; cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in eggs. Drop by spoonfuls onto peach mixture; spread evenly. Bake at 350° until filling is bubbly and a toothpick inserted in topping comes out clean, 50-55 minutes. Cool for 10 minutes.
3. For butterscotch sauce, in a small saucepan, combine the brown sugar, flour, salt, butter and reserved peach syrup. Bring to a boil over medium heat; cook and stir until thickened, 1 minute. Remove from the heat; add lemon juice. Serve cobbler with warm sauce and, if desired, ice cream.