Maple-Walnut Apple Cobbler

Preheat oven to 375°. In a medium bowl, combine 1 cup flour, the baking powder, and salt. Add 1/4 cup butter and toss to coat. Using a pastry blender or your fingertips, cut or rub the butter into the dry ingredients until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in 1/3 cup of the walnuts. Add milk and maple syrup. With a fork, mix together until a dough forms. Add a little more milk to moisten, if necessary.

In a 9- or 10-inch cast-iron or other heavy oven-going skillet, heat 2 tablespoons butter and the brown sugar over medium-high heat. Cook and stir until butter is melted and sugar begins to melt. Add apples to skillet. Sprinkle with 1 tablespoon flour and the cinnamon. Cook and stir until apples are coated. Remove from heat. Stir in remaining 1/3 cup walnuts.

Drop dough mixture in six mounds atop the apple mixture. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until apples are tender and topper is browned. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream, if desired.