Palisade Peaches

Thank you Universe for giving us Palisade Peaches. 

Amen.

Peaches from Palisade, are to me what shrimp was to 'Bubba' Blue from the movie Forrest Gump. I like them in pie, cobbler, shortcake, drowned  in heavy cream, topped on cereal, mixed in yogurt, made into ice cream, jams, jellies, grilled, and just plain all by themselves. Colorado is a glorious state and an incredible place to live. We Coloradoans have much to be proud of and thankful for.  I wake up and thank my guides and the universe every day because I am lucky enough to live in this wonderful state.

Each year when mid summer rolls around the first peaches start arriving from the western slope, showing up in farmers markets and grocery stores. Unlike blueberries, strawberries, bananas and other fruits that can be purchased year round because they're shipped in from places like Mexico and Chile, these heavenly little orbs of sweetness are available only during the summer and fall seasons. When they're gone, they're gone until next year. The fine state of Georgia claims the peach as their official state fruit. I've never had a fresh Georgia peach, so I cannot attest as to how good they may or may not be. But I can't believe they could be better than what is grown in our state, it's just not possible.

This year the peach crop was hit by two back to back hard frosts in April which wiped out half of the crop. It was the most decimated harvest since 1991, causing prices to climb. However, plenty of peaches survived and shipments to the front range markets were not noticeably affected.

With the last big holiday of the summer only a few days away, I wanted to share with you some of our favorite ways to enjoy this wonderful fruit.

If you believe as I do that everything taste better with bacon, you're gonna love this. This is from Michael Schwartz's cookbook 'Michael's Genuine Food'. Michael is a James Beard Award winner and the chef owner of Michael's Genuine Food & Drink in Miami and the Cayman Islands. Since opening in 2007 the restaurant has been lauded by the press and has become a favorite of the press, locals, celebrities, and famous chefs from around the country.

Grilled Bacon-Wrapped Peaches with aged Balsamic and Piave Vecchio cheese

Click on the link below for a down loadable pdf recipe

http://db.tt/NlwXSdKC

One of the best desserts is also one of the simplest to make. Grilled peaches with Salted Caramel Ice Cream. Good God Almighty it's incredible! If you haven't had salted caramel ice cream yet, you're missing out BIG TIME. Get some, although I doubt you'll thank me because it is highly addictive.

Grilling peaches with sugar on top turns them into something special. The heat caramelizes the sugar and softens the peaches turning them into little bowls of peach pie filling. The best part is you don't have to heat up your house.
These also make a fantastic breakfast if you top with your favorite yogurt instead of ice cream.

Here's a link to a down loadable pdf recipe:

http://db.tt/sw28BGef

I hope you enjoy these recipes as much as we have.   The Farmer's Almanac says we're in for a long cold winter so be sure to get your fill of the extraordinary bounty that summer in Colorado has to offer. 

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Thank you for reading our blog and as always, Happy Eating!

Becky Goldsmith
720-979-3184
Becky@beckygoldsmith.com