Oh the joyous arrival of juicy fresh from the farm peaches! Just like summer, filled with sunny colors and life and joy! Our neighborhood farmers market features peaches from a local orchard that never fail to deliver. Big and juicy, they sell out quickly. Quarter peck? Full peck? Neighbors are known to call out "Are there peaches today?" before deciding to visit the market.
This year, I found new ways to enjoy these sunny fruits, along with some old favorites:
Breakfast or a special mid-day treat
Slice them up in a bowl, and cut ribbons of fresh basil to mix with
Add mozzarella pieces to a bowl of cut peaches
Bonus! Add mozzarella and fresh basil ribbons!
Peaches and blackberries in a bowl
Peaches, blackberries and vanilla yogurt or ice cream in a bowl
Dessert
Fresh peach and ginger ice cream - try this easy recipe from Pillsbury. Just six ingredients!
Simply peach ice cream - same recipe without the ginger!
Smoothies
Add chopped peaches with...
Oh my my! This fantastic basil pesto defines versatility. Use it on pasta, freeze it in traditional ice cube trays to use in soups this winter, or simply enjoy it on toasted French rounds with a nice glass of Chardonnay or Merlot. Lovely.
And, I updated this for a smaller portion, a little lighter taste. Enjoy!
Classic Pesto Recipe
1 cup fresh basil leaves, packed
1/4 cup pine nuts
1/2 cup grated or shaved Parmesan cheese*
2 garlic cloves
1/2 cup olive oil
*You can substitute Asiago or Romano cheese for sharper taste.
In a food processor fitted with standard blade, combine basil, pine nuts, olive oil, and garlic. Combine in the order listed until a thick paste forms. Scrape sides as needed. Add the cheese and pulse until blended. Pesto should be the consistency of a smooth paste. Cover and keep refrigerated, will last up to five days.
Other variations
If you prefer less cheese, scale back to 1/4 cup of cheese and add more nuts (up to a 1/2 cup...
3oz Bourbon(warm)
3oz Sawmill Gravy(hot)
2oz Maple wood smoked Bacon(rendered & crumbled)
pinch fresh ground Black Pepper
1 large Coffee mug
Pour three ounces Kentucky bourbon in a coffee mug. Top off with the sawmill gravy. Sprinkle in the Bacon, then top with a good grind of Pepper.
This goes really well with French Toast or Buttermilk Pancakes & Over Easy Eggs....
Bringing the family and friends together on a crisp autumn eve has a memory making potential few experiences can beat. My good friend (and garden guru), Carter, developed this recipe for an autumn evening around the backyard fire-pit.
So, fire up the fire-pit and gather round to toast marshmallows with an unbelievable berry sauce. An added touch - if you have the pleasure of growing blackberry or raspberry vines in your backyard - add a couple of the pruned vines to the fire. They add a sparkle to the blaze that's added beauty.
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Pesto adds to many dishes. The classic pesto, of course, consists of sweet basil, Parmesan cheese, olive oil, pine nuts and garlic. Talk about versatile! This wonderful condiment punches up everything from omelets to chicken to pasta.
Add a teaspoon or so to scrambled eggs to add flavor and nutrients
Top cooked chicken with a couple of teaspoons - let sit a few minutes before serving
Serve with mini-toasts or baguette pieces as an appetizer
Cook the pasta of your choice and toss with pesto. Add chicken and tomatoes if you prefer.
Freeze pesto in old fashioned ice cube trays. Store cubes in the freezer bags - each cube serves as a single portion for cooking throughout the winter!
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