Make sure that the peaches you buy to use fresh are freestone peaches, not cling peaches. In cling peaches, the flesh really clings tightly to the pit, and you will not be able to free the flesh from the pit; you'll have to cut around it. Freestone peaches will easily release the pit and they are my choice. Most canned peaches are cling peaches.
You have a couple of choices for peeling peaches. A swivel bladed vegetable peeler will work very well, or you can blanch the peaches and the skin will slip right off. To blanch peaches, bring a pot of water to a full rolling boil. Slip the peaches into the water for 30 seconds. Then remove the peaches to an ice water bath. The skins will slip right off. The peach flesh darkens when it comes into contact with air; to prevent this, dip the peach slices into a mixture of lemon juice or pineapple juice and water.
Peaches are so good for you; they have high concentrations of Vitamins A and C. There's a reason a healthy complexion is described as 'peachy'! Eating peaches will put color in your cheeks.
To ripen peaches, you can keep them in a paper bag on the counter until they yield slightly when gently pressed. If you buy a crate of peaches (my preference), the peaches will ripen just from contact with each other.
So buy lots of peaches and enjoy them in these delicious and easy recipes.
Peach Recipes
- Tex Mex Turkey Salad
No cooking is needed for this superb main dish salad. Substitute 2 more peaches for the mango to make it simpler. - Peach Creme Brulee
This super simple three ingredient recipe is unbelievably good with fresh peaches or canned. - Peach Glazed Ham Steak
Peaches and ham are a natural combination; the sweet and tart peaches accent the salty tenderness of ham slices. Yum. - Peach Salsa
This wonderful salsa is perfect with any grilled meat or fish. - Peach Sour Cream Pie
This fresh pie is simply incredible. The combination of sour cream, fresh peaches, and coconut is sublime. - Fruit Ham Chef Salad
Wow - a peach cream dressing is perfection itself drizzled over salad greens, ham, peaches, and berries. - Grilled Ham and Fruit Salad
Serve this wonderful salad the next time you have company. You can grill the ham on a charcoal or gas grill as well; just double the cooking time. - Chicken Peach Bacon Salad
I think this is my favorite recipe of the bunch. Just thinking about the flavors and textures in this salad has my mouth watering! - Baked Peaches
This recipe proves that the best ingredients need very little attention. Peaches, butter, and sweet granola make a fabulously simple dessert. - Brie Peach Sandwiches
I can eat the peach combination used as a dressing for these sandwiches with a spoon. Pair it with brie cheese and crusty french bread and you have a party on a plate! - Stuffed Peaches
You can use fresh peaches in this salad; just dip them into lemon juice before filling with the cream cheese and topping with the gelatin mixture. - Caramelized Peach Raspberry Shortcakes
The only thing that could make peaches better is to caramelize them! Try this dessert soon. - Apple Peach Pie
This is one of my favorite pies. The flavor combination of apples, peaches, cinnamon, and lemon is outstanding. - No Bake Peach Crisp
When it's really hot outside, this is a fabulous dessert. You do use the stovetop, but not the oven. - Baked Brie with Peaches
This wonderful appetizer recipe is such a treat and it's so beautiful. Serve it soon. - Canadian Bacon Peach Salad
This four ingredient salad combines peaches with mixed salad greens, Canadian bacon, and honey mustard salad dressing; it's ready in about 5 minutes. - Pork Chops with Peach Salsa
You can use the peach and red pepper flake salsa on any grilled meats; it would be fabulous with chicken breasts too. - Smoked Gouda Peach Salad
This fabulous and super simple salad is perfect for a light lunch served alongside some bakery muffins.
