The Sweet Life: My Passion for Peach Recipes from Cobbler to Salsa

Growing Up Peachy

Growing up, my family owned a property adorned with peach trees. This wasn't a peach orchard town, rather it was our own little piece of heaven, offering a bounty of sweet, juicy peaches every summer. Climbing those trees to hand-pick the sun-kissed, fragrant peaches is a cherished memory that still warms my heart. The ripe peaches' vibrant hues of orange and yellow promised the mouth-watering sweetness that only a summer peach could deliver.

The Irresistible Peach Cobbler

My grandma was an expert at turning these juicy peaches into the most divine desserts. Among her repertoire, the peach cobbler stood out as my absolute favorite. The aromatic blend of peaches, cinnamon, and sugar baking together was irresistible. The golden crust was a dream, crispy on top, yet wonderfully soft, soaking up the tangy-sweet juices underneath. Topping this warm dessert with a generous scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream was the ultimate treat – it was, and still is, the bomb!

Peeling Peaches Perfectly

Over the years, I've honed my skills and discovered tricks to work with peaches more efficiently. Want to peel peaches like a pro? Here's my go-to method: dunk fresh peaches in boiling water for about 30 seconds. Quickly retrieve them and immerse them in icy cold water. This process makes the peel slide off effortlessly with your fingers. You're now ready to slice them up for your favorite peach recipe!

My Beloved Peach Cobbler Recipe

My all-time favorite peach dish has to be the one I associate with those precious childhood memories – Grandma's peach cobbler. The intoxicating aroma and heavenly taste are embedded in my senses. Today, I'm thrilled to share this timeless recipe with you:

Ingredients

• 4 cups fresh peaches, peeled and sliced

• 1 cup self-rising flour

• 1 cup sugar, divided

• 1 cup milk

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 2 tablespoons lemon juice

• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

• Extra sugar for sprinkling on top (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).

2. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the peaches, 1/2 cup of sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Stir until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is warm. Remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract and lemon juice.

3. Melt the butter and pour it into a 9x13-inch baking dish.

4. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the self-rising flour and the remaining 1/2 cup of sugar. Stir in the milk until just combined to form the batter.

5. Pour the batter evenly into the baking dish over the melted butter. Do not stir!

6. Spoon the peach mixture evenly on top of the batter. Again, do not stir.

7. If you like, you can sprinkle a little extra sugar over the top for added sweetness and to help the top crust become more brown and crisp.

8. Bake in the preheated oven for about 40 to 45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the batter has risen to the top.

9. Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly before serving. Peach cobbler is delicious on its own, but it can also be served with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.

Enjoy your homemade Peach Cobbler!

Please note: If you don't have self-rising flour, you can make your own by combining 1 cup of all-purpose flour with 1.5 teaspoons of baking powder and 1/4 teaspoon of salt.

Other Tasty Peachy Ideas

But don't just stop at the cobbler! Peaches are incredibly versatile and work beautifully in a number of dishes. They add a fresh, sweet twist to spicy salsa, bring a juicy crunch to salads, and can be grilled to perfection with a drizzle of honey and a dollop of yogurt. You can even churn them into a homemade peach sorbet. Here are some additional peach recipes that you'll absolutely love:

Fresh Peach Salsa

Ingredients:

• 4 ripe peaches, pitted and diced

• 1 small red onion, finely diced

• 1 jalapeño, seeds removed and finely diced

• 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro

• Juice of 1 lime

• Salt to taste

Instructions: Combine all the ingredients in a bowl. Serve immediately, or cover and refrigerate for up to a day to let the flavors meld together. This salsa is great with tortilla chips, grilled chicken, or tacos.

Peach Salad with Goat Cheese and Walnuts

Ingredients:

• 4 ripe peaches, pitted and sliced

• 8 cups mixed greens

• 1/2 cup crumbled goat cheese

• 1/2 cup toasted walnuts

• Balsamic vinaigrette

Instructions: Toss the greens in a large bowl with a generous amount of dressing. Top with peach slices, crumbled goat cheese, and toasted walnuts. Serve immediately.

Grilled Peaches with Honey and Yogurt

Ingredients:

• 4 ripe peaches, halved and pitted

• Honey for drizzling

• Plain or vanilla Greek yogurt

Instructions: Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium heat. Grill the peaches cut side down until grill marks appear, about 5 minutes. Turn and grill for a few more minutes until the peaches are soft and juicy. Serve warm with a drizzle of honey and a dollop of yogurt.

Peach Sorbet

Ingredients:

• 4 ripe peaches, pitted and chopped

• 1 cup water

• 3/4 cup sugar

Instructions: Combine the peaches, water, and sugar in a blender and blend until smooth. Pour the mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer's instructions. Freeze the sorbet for at least 2 hours before serving.

These recipes showcase the sweet and versatile nature of peaches, whether in a refreshing salsa, a simple salad, a grilled dessert, or a cooling sorbet. Enjoy!

Peach Glazed Salmon

Ingredients

• 2 ripe peaches, peeled, pitted and sliced

• 2 tablespoons brown sugar

• 2 tablespoons soy sauce

• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

• 4 salmon fillets

• Salt and black pepper to taste

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions:

1. In a blender or food processor, combine the peaches, brown sugar, soy sauce, grated ginger, and lemon juice. Process until smooth to make the peach glaze.

2. Season the salmon fillets with salt and pepper on both sides.

3. Heat the olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the salmon, skin-side down, and cook for about 4-5 minutes until the skin is crispy.

4. Flip the salmon and cook for another 2-3 minutes.

5. Pour the peach glaze over the salmon fillets, reduce the heat to low and cook for another 2-3 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked to your liking and the glaze has reduced slightly.

6. Serve the salmon with the peach glaze spooned over the top. This pairs well with a side of steamed vegetables or rice.

Enjoy your Peach Glazed Salmon!

How To Freeze Peaches For Dishes Throughout The Year

Freezing fresh peaches is a great way to preserve their flavor for use throughout the year. Here's how to do it:

Ingredients

• Fresh peaches

• Lemon juice (optional)

Instructions

1. Choose Ripe Peaches: Start with fresh, ripe, and clean peaches. They should be free of bruises and soft spots.

2. Blanch the Peaches: To easily remove the skin, blanch the peaches. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Once boiling, add the peaches a few at a time and let them sit in the boiling water for 30-60 seconds. Then, using a slotted spoon, remove them from the boiling water and immediately place them in a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. The skin should easily peel off. If it doesn’t, return to the boiling water for a few more seconds.

3. Peel and Slice the Peaches: After they're cool enough to handle, peel off the skin. It should come off easily. Slice the peaches into halves, quarters, or slices—whatever you prefer—and remove the pit.

4. Prevent Browning (optional): If you're worried about the peaches browning, toss the sliced peaches in a bowl with a bit of lemon juice. This can help prevent the peach slices from browning.

5. Freeze on a Baking Sheet: Arrange the peach slices in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure the slices aren't touching each other.

6. Freeze: Place the baking sheet in the freezer for several hours, or until the peaches are fully frozen.

7. Store in Freezer Bags: Once the peach slices are frozen, you can transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Be sure to remove as much air as possible from the bags to prevent freezer burn. Label with the date, and your peaches can be stored in the freezer for up to 12 months.

Remember, when you're ready to use your frozen peaches, there's no need to thaw them before adding them to your recipes. They can be used straight from the freezer in smoothies, pies, cobblers, or other recipes. Enjoy!

As we conclude this peachy affair, I want to leave you with a sweet taste. From my grandma's kitchen to yours, each peach recipe offers not just a delightful treat but also a slice of my cherished memories. With each bite, you'll savor the passion, the tradition, and the love that make these dishes so special. I hope these recipes inspire you to create your own peach traditions and make your life just a bit sweeter. Enjoy the sweet life!