Wednesday, September 2, 2009

Peaches O'Plenty

It's the end of August and the first day of fifth grade. The sun shines a comfortable afternoon warmth as I ride my bike home from Washington Elementary.  "Mom? I'm home!" I call as I open the screen door. I find her in the kitchen surrounded by jars of canned peaches. With a sweet greeting, she hands me a beautiful fresh one and gives me a kiss. 

Peaches. Just the sight of one takes me back. A peach holds the sight, sound, and smell of the end of summer. Guess what I've been doing this week? Eating peaches, canning peaches, drying peaches -- right off the tree in our back yard. Hundreds of them! 
Here is my favorite fresh peach recipe (from my mother):

Fresh Peach Pie

Mash 3 large peaches and add 3/4 cup sugar, 3 Tablespoons corn starch, and 1/2 cup water. Cook 5 minutes until mixture thickens. Add 1/4 tsp. almond flavoring and 2 tablespoons butter. Let cool. Slice fresh peaches into a cooked pie shell. Pour thickened sauce over and chill until set. Top with whipped cream.

And I just HAVE to include this one! It's the ONLY recipe Randy uses when it's his turn to make a treat for Family Home Evening! This one uses home bottled peaches.

Randy's Peach Cobbler:

Melt 1/2 cube butter in a baking pan.

Mix:
1 cup bisquick baking mix
1 cup sugar
1 cup milk

Dribble mixture over melted butter. Arrange sliced canned peaches over mixture. Pour a little fruit juice over all. Bake at 350 degrees for 30-40 minutes or until golden brown.

4 comments:

  1. Kathryn I absolutely love your pictures from your California trips. Some of the places like San Francisco, Yosemite, and Great America were where I grew up and I remember them very well. Some of them were totally new to me (like the Ghost Town), and I am hoping to put those on my list to do when going next time. Thanks for sharing :)

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  2. Peaches are a memory maker for me, too. PLUS they are my MOST FAVORITE fruit of all time. Who knew Heavenly Father could create a dessert that grows on trees?

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  3. I love all the pictures from your trip you had! Making plans of my own to go...except it probably wont be for a long time haha.
    Anyway, thanks for the recipes!! Now I just need to go get some peaches...

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  4. Just bought my peaches! I am ready to roll out your peach pie and cobbler now!

    BTW, do you have a good way to freeze peaches?

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