Just Peachy!

In August, peaches come in to season. Juicy, sweet, white and yellow. Pick your own, or purchase by the basket.

Sure they taste good just as they are...and we all know the sweet smell of peach pie, peach jam and any sweet peach dessert.

But did you know the peach is quite versatile. As we walk through a menu, I wanted to share some ideas for using this delicious fruit to it's absolute max. After all, the season is short, and it is truly the last luscious jewel of the summer.

Appetizers: Grill peaches and toss with parmesan and proscuitto, a touch of olive oil. Peahces and Ham are a wonderful combo!

Salads: Mix sliced peaches with goat cheese or ricotta cheese and serve over baby arugula with a light lemon balsamic vinaigrette. Or toss with pancetta, a sherry wine vinaigrette, and dried cranberries.

Soup: Peach and Tomatao Gazpacho - a nice twist on a classic summer soup (see recpe at http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Peach-and-Tomato-Gazpacho-232601)

Main Course: Most meats work well with peaches - ham as we said combines the salty and sweet (http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Ham-and-Peach-Kebabs-with-Marmalade-Mustard-Glaze-103629). Pork (http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Grilled-Pork-Tenderloin-with-Peach-Barbecue-Sauce-230636) and chicken both work nicely with peaches and rosemary, or a nice brandy and peach sauce, or anywhere a mango is used in a salsa. Mint, basil, cardamon, cinnamon, and black pepper all compliment the peach. Fish is light enough to balance the sweetness of the peach. (http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Grilled-Shrimp-Satay-with-Peaches-and-Bok-Choy-242685) Balsamic vinegar goes nicely too. Even pizza can take the peach (http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Peach-Prosciutto-and-Goat-Cheese-Pizzas-103716)


Desserts - well the mind can only imagine. Smoothies, ice cream, peach pie, cobbler, tart, cakes, and bettys. Baked peaches with amaretto and butter. Sliced peaches tossed with toasted coconut, nuts and a vanilla rum sauce. Peach Melba! Try a little cocoa and chipotle powder dusted on grilled peaches for a twist and serve with ricotta cheese flavored with vanilla.

Berries pair nicely with peaches too - raspberries, blackberries, and blueberries. Nuts, liqueurs, honey and chocolate too. Get creative - try new flavors together. Take your favorite recipes and try a peach instead of the specified fruit.

Or just run some water and enjoy this summertime treat au naturel!

Recipes provided by epicurious.com - many more online too. Get cooking!

Home Plate Advantage Personal Chef Service - feeling peachy!