Take Pleasure in Peaches

Nothing tastes as good as biting into a sweet juicy peach! A simple summer pleasure that extends into early fall. Whether you grab a peach for a refreshing snack, or incorporate a peach into a recipe, this fruit gives a big nutrition bang for your buck. One medium peach (about 5 oz) has just 50 calories and is loaded with numerous health promoting compounds, fiber, minerals, and vitamins. Don’t miss this opportunity to take advantage of peach season which runs into early fall. Pick up a fresh peach, take a bite and get inspired to enjoy this fruit. If you are looking for some fun and delicious ideas, McCaffrey’s has you covered.

1. Make a Salsa: This avocado, peach and mango salsa is the winning touch in this Grilled Chicken Breast recipe. But don’t stop there. Enjoy this refreshing fruit salsa with everything from shrimp to chips.
2. In a Beverage: Instead of loading up on sugar-filled sodas, try quenching your summer thirst with this homemade Peach Iced Tea.
3. On the Grill: Wow your guests and family with this summer Grilled Peach Salad. But don’t stop there. Serve grilled peaches as an accompaniment to just about any meal, including dessert. Grilled peaches and ice cream or frozen yogurt is a win-win situation!
4. Bake, Broil, or Sauté. For a delicious snack, a light dessert or sweet side dish, warm some peach slices, then add a little cinnamon.
5. Make a Smoothie: Toss fresh or frozen peaches into a blender with some low-fat yogurt (or milk), bananas, and ice.
6. Make a Salad: This Peach, Tomato and Olive Salad wakes up your palate with ripe peaches, heirloom tomatoes and baby arugula. A homemade lemon vinaigrette gives this peach and tomato salad a spark of citrus flavor.
7. Include at Breakfast: Slice up a peach and add to hot or cold cereals, pancakes or waffles, yogurt, or cottage cheese.
8. Make a Spread: Don’t toss that over-ripe peach. Peel and mash very ripe peaches and spread on toasted baguette and top with a little brie or Camembert cheese.
9. Make Frozen Yogurt in 3 Easy Steps:
   1. Peel and slice 4 cups of fresh peaches (about 6 – 8 peaches) and gently freeze. (Alternately, use a 1 lb bag of frozen peaches, slightly thawed).
   2. Combine the peaches with ½ cup plain yogurt, 3 tablespoon of honey and 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice in a large bowl.
   3. Add the mixture to a food processor in batches, blending until peach mixture is creamy. Serve immediately or transfer to a freezer container and enjoy later. Makes 6-8 ½ servings.
10. Easy Fruit Leather: A great snack for kids (and adults!):
    1. Peel and pit peaches, then purée in a blender.
    2. Pour the purée onto a parchment-lined cookie sheet and bake at 170° for 6 to 8 hours. It is “done” when the fruit leather becomes dark and all of the moisture has evaporated.
    3. Invert the leather and gently peel off the parchment paper. Roll up the “sheet” of fruit leather, starting from the short side, then cut the leather with kitchen shears into 1” strips. Store in an airtight container for a few days, or in the freezer for up to 1 month.