When peach season arrives in Georgia I take full advantage of the bounty! Today I’m sharing my four favorite ways to enjoy ripe peaches in a myriad of ways–an icy refreshing drink, a spicy appetizer, a healthy main dish salad and a light dessert. Enjoy!
Condiments
Strawberry Jam–The French Way
Ruby red and sweet, perfect jewels of strawberry goodness bursting with the deep flavor of spring. Three ingredients plus two days equals the perfect spread for your morning toast or afternoon tea and scones! I love Strawberry Jam and honestly, it’s quite simple to make. Just three ingredients to strawberry perfection. Technically, because the strawberries are whole and not mashed it’s a preserve. But, no matter what you call it, it’s delicious!
Pear and Chocolate Jam
There are few foods more sublime than chocolate. I’m talking about the good stuff, the 70% cacao that melts in your mouth and makes you forget everything that came before. I like how Barbara Crooker characterizes it: Chocolate strolls up to the microphone and plays jazz at midnight, the low slow notes of a bass …
Peach Butter
Autumn is just around the corner and peaches are nearing the end of their season. I snagged a deal last week on organic peaches on sale for $1.99 a pound. I bought 6 pounds and made up some sweet, spiced peach butter. In the depths of winter there’s nothing like opening a jar of this delicious spread and enjoying a little hint of summer to come.
Fruit butters take a little time but they are easy to make and so homey and delicious. They use less sugar than jams and preserves and they’re a lot more forgiving. It’ll take a few hours cooking them down but it’s easier to tell when they’re ready to can. You don’t need to use a thermometer or figure out what the jelling point is.
Sweet and Spicy Apple Butter
Fall is in the air. Leaves are turning, apples are ripe for the picking, pumpkins appear on doorsteps. It’s the season for all things apple!
I adore apple butter and I’ve discovered how really easy it is to make. What I love about this recipe, other than the warm fragrance of apples, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves filling your kitchen, is the fact you don’t have to peel a single apple. When you’re staring 6 pounds of apples in the face believe me, you’ll be glad not to have to peel them!