(please note: my linking function is not working correctly – I apologize for any links not showing or working)
These days I am just, Peachy-Keen, yes I am. I have my mind wandering all over the place and imaging all sorts of recipes to make with peaches. Just this morning I was trying to think of one food item that didn’t go well with peaches. Can you?
It’s no secret that I am a great fan of Lindsey Shere and Claudia Fleming. Incidentally, Chez Panisse re-opened yesterday after their fire disaster. Lindsey and Claudia are both huge inspirations for me. I have been re-combing their books recently. Lindsey’s recipe here isn’t in the dessert category, though – it’s a soup.
Here is just a sampling of my current favorite recipes, in every menu category:
Soup:
From the legendary pastry chef at Chez Panisse: Blackberry Soup with Peaches and Berries
Daniel Humm’s Peach Gazpacho: http://www.chow.com/recipes/28867-daniel-humms-peach-gazpacho-with-toasted-almonds
Breakfast:
Fresh Peach Scones – http://www.kingarthurflour.com/recipes/peach-scones-recipe
Spa Breakfast for Christin: 1 cup mixed berries, 1/2 fresh white peach, cut into chunks, 3/4 cup plain greek yogurt, whisked to smooth and lighten; place berries and peaches in bowl, top with whisked yogurt, sprinkle with lemon zest and generous handful of slivered almonds, drizzle with honey
Fruit Salad: http://www.cookingchanneltv.com/recipes/bobby-flay/citrus-blueberry-salad-with-almond-relish-and-minted-sugar.html – add 1 -2 sliced peaches
Appetizers:
Peach and Goat Cheese Appetizer – peel fresh ripe peaches and remove stone, cut into quarters, place dollop of room temp goat cheese in center of each peach segment, sprinkle with scant pinch of freshly ground black pepper or red pepper flakes, drizzle lightly with honey
Peach and Caramelized Onion Crostini – http://www.sandyofftopic.com/2009/07/26/caramelized-onion-and-peach-crostini-at-st-andrews-market/
Salad:
Peach and Melon Salad with Prosciutto and Mozzarella – http://www.foodandwine.com/recipes/melon-and-peach-salad-with-prosciutto-and-mozzarella
Caprese Salad with Peaches – http://www.kitchen-inspirational.com/2013/06/25/caprese-salad-with-peaches/
Entrees: Halibut with Peach and Pepper Salsa – http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/grilled-halibut-with-peach-pepper-salsa-10000001988577/ – adding 1 tsp ground fresh ginger root
Spice-Rubbed Pork Chops and Grilled Peaches – from The Perfect Peach from the Masumoto Family
Lobster and Peach Tacos: Filling: lobster meat, cut into small pieces, sliced peaches, sliced avocado, and a compote of bell pepper, jalepeno, chopped tomato, black beans, onion, white balsamic vinegar, cilantro and salt and pepper
Desserts:
Peach and Basil Sorbet – www.jamesbeard.org/recipes/basil–peach-sorbet
Peach and Lavender Ice Cream – http://www.tarteletteblog.com/2012/06/recipe-gluten-free-roasted-peaches-and.html
Claudia Fleming’s Peach and Blackberry Crumble – http://www.bonappetit.com/recipes/2008/07/peach_and_blackberry_cobbler
Claudia Fleming’s Peach Tartes Tatin – http://www.kitchen-inspirational.com/2013/06/25/claudia-flemings-peach-tartes-tatin/
another of my new obsessions vintage Brioche molds; my Mom always had some small brioche molds in her kitchen. How I wish I had them now!
Peach Melba Ice Cream – http://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/6517/peach-melba-ice-cream
Peach and Coconut Cake – http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Coconut-Bundt-Cake-with-Powdered-Sugar-Glaze-104038 – adding 1 1/2 tsp ground ginger, 1/2 cup finely chopped crystallized ginger and 1 cup chopped ripe but firm peaches
Blueberry-Peach Pie – see post from July 3, 2012
Shortcakes – http://www.bonappetit.com/recipes/2008/07/red_white_and_blueberry_shortcakes, (note while the recipe does not list peaches, the photo shows them, so add peach slices; and
Peach Shortcake – from the Perfect Peach by the Masumoto Family
Peach Crostada – from the Perfect Peach by the Masumoto Family
(Hotcakes, Angel Food Cakes, Chiffon Cakes, Olive Oil Cakes – all topped with fresh peach compote – http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Peach-Custard-Ice-Cream-with-Fresh-Peach-Compote-106985)
Mixed Stone Fruit Pie – http://www.bonappetit.com/recipes/2011/08/stone-fruit-lattice-pie – substitute tapioca for corn starch
Grilled Brown Sugar Peaches with White Chocolate – http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Grilled-Brown-Sugar-Peaches-with-White-Chocolate-235168
Condiments:
Peach Barbecue Sauce – http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Peach-Barbecue-Sauce-238919
Peach and Ginger Jam – http://food52.com/recipes/12207-ginger-peach-jam
Drinks: White Sangria – http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/bobby-flay/white-peach-sangria-recipe/index.html – adding mixed berries
As you can see, I am seriously excited about and obsessed with peach recipes and, could go on forever. But, this is a good starting place. I hope to have fun experimenting with all of these, and any variations I can think of, over the next several weeks.
And, just food for thought(that over-used but so very apropo phrase:
Peaches Pair Wonderfully With: Ginger, Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Thyme, Basil, Lemon Verbena, Mint, Lavender, nuts, coconut, blue cheese, goat cheese, yogurt, mascarpone, creme fraiche, peppers, bacon (ha), tomatoes, mangoes, pineapples, raspberries, cherries, blackberries, chicken, fish, shellfish, pork………….. And so, there are millions of ways to invent in the kitchen! Most recipes adapt perfectly to nectarines, plums and apricots as well, so time to enjoy as much as possible during these few weeks they are available.
Christin’s Spa Breakfast – 
“Bee”n Busy – my favoritie pics from yesterday’s bee watching:
Summer’s definitely here – so enjoy it while it lasts!!!!