How to Cook Fresh Peaches

SUMMER PEACHES

Summer peaches – just another treat we can expect from Mother Nature in the late spring to early summer. There are several varieties – flesh ranging from white to deep orange – but the beginning of enjoying peaches starts with the dreamy aroma.

Tender, juicy peaches can elevate any dish on the table: beverages, condiments, salads, side dishes and, of course, dessert. The peach adapts easily to savory dishes, as well as sweet, and lends itself easily to canning.

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, peaches are low in sodium, carbs and calories – only 59 calories for a medium-size fruit.

Peaches and Nectarines

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Native to northwest China, the peach was first domesticated and cultivated there before becoming available in Europe and the New World.

Peaches and nectarines are from the same family, even though they are regarded commercially as different fruits. Their main difference is the fuzz on the skin — peaches have it, and nectarines do not.

There are hundreds of peach and nectarine varieties, but all fall distinctively into two categories: the freestones and the clingstones. The juicy flesh of the freestone separates easily from the pit, and clingstones, well, cling.

Fuzz or no, clingy or not, this fruit is full of natural sweetness and juice.

Fresh peaches can be used in savory or sweet dishes. It’s amazing how versatile they really are! But of course, one of the best-loved ways to use fresh peaches is in a cobbler.

FRESH PEACH COBBLER

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Ingredients

6 tablespoons butter
2 cups sugar divided use
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
Dash of salt
3/4 cup milk
2 cups fresh sliced peaches

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Melt butter in a 2-quart baking dish. Set aside.
Peel and slice peaches. Combine with 1 cup sugar. Set aside.
In a medium bowl, stir together dry ingredients, including remaining sugar. Add milk, and stir until mixed. Pour over butter in baking dish. Do not stir in.
Bake for 50 to 60 minutes until crust is puffed and lightly golden brown. Serve with whipped cream or ice cream, if desired.

Notes

Cook’s tip: Make sure peaches are prepared before stirring the crust together; otherwise, the crust mixture could start to rise in the bowl.

Sometimes you just don’t have time to peel and pit peaches or maybe you are out of some of the baking ingredients. There’s an easy fix – and a tasty one!

Easy Peach Cobbler with Bisquick

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Ingredients

1 cup Original Bisquick™ mix
1 cup milk
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 cup butter melted
1 cup sugar
1 can 29 ounces sliced peaches,
drained

Instructions

1 Heat oven to 375°F.
2 Stir together Bisquick™ mix, milk and nutmeg in ungreased 8-inch square (2-
glass baking dish. Stir in butter until blended. Stir together sugar and
peaches; spoon over batter.
3 Bake 50 to 60 minutes or until golden.

Take advantage of sweet summer peaches with this delicious grilled fresh peaches recipe. Grilled fresh peaches can be used as a dessert with ice cream, or served with a savory dish like roast pork or game.

3 large ripe peaches (stone removed, halved)
1 tablespoon light brown sugar
1 tablespoon melted butter
small pinch of nutmeg
pinch of salt
Optional: freshly ground black pepper to taste (omit if making for a dessert)

In a small bowl mix the sugar, butter, nutmeg, salt, and black pepper.
Carefully brush the grates of a hot grill with an oiled paper towel.
Place the peach halves on the grill cut side down.
Grill for 2 minutes and turn. Immediately spoon and spread a little of the sugar mixtures over the hot peach halves.
Cook for another 2-3 minutes, remove and serve hot, room temp, or cold.

Grilled Peaches

Creme fraiche is delicious and super simple to make, which is great because it isn’t always available in the supermarket. The cream is slightly thickened and has a slight sour taste, somewhat like sour cream.

Sweet Summer Peaches

Peaches and Nectarines