MRS. PARSONS' PEACH CRISP

3 cups sliced fresh or canned peaches
1/4 cup butter or margarine, softened
1 3/4 cups sugar, divided
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
½ cup of milk
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 cup boiling water
Whipping cream or ice cream (optional)

Place peach slices in an 8-inch square baking pan. Cream butter and 3/4 cup sugar. Combine flour, baking powder, and salt; add to creamed mixture alternately with milk. Spoon mixture over fruit. Sift together 1 cup sugar, cornstarch, and nutmeg; sprinkle over batter. Pour boiling water over top. Bake at 350 degrees F. for 1 hour. Serve with whipping cream or ice cream, if desired.
Yield: 6 servings.