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The Rural Voice, 1998-08, Page 44RURAL LIVING From soup to salad, some peachy summer recipes Selected by Bonnie Gropp The time to bite into some of Ontario's juiciest harvest has arrived. The sweet taste of peaches is a refreshing slice of summer life. Eaten fresh or incorporated into main meals or desserts it's easy to develop an appreciation for this delicate fruit. PEACH SALSA 3 ripe peaches half sweet red pepper, diced 4 green onions, sliced 1 to 2 small hot peppers, diced 3 tbsp (50 mL) chopped fresh parsley 2 tbsp (25 mL) fresh lime juice 1 tbsp (15 mL) vegetable oil 1 clove garlic, minced 1 tbsp (15 mL) grated fresh ginger root salt and pepper To make peeling easier, blanch peaches in boiling water 30-60 seconds, then transfer to cold water for 1 minute. Peel, pit and dice peaches. In bowl, combine peaches, red pepper, green onions, hot peppers, parsley, lime juice, oil, garlic and ginger. Season to taste with salt and PPM - Cover and refrigerate at least 1 hour or up to two days. Serve cool or at room temperature rather than ice cold. FIELD GREENS SALAD WITH PEACHES AND HERBS 12 cups (3 L) assorted greens (spinach, Boston, leaf, arugula, oak, romaine) 2 cups (500 mL) sliced peeled, blanched peaches (some may be nectarines or plums) 1/2 cup (125 mL) sprigs of fresh herbs (thyme, tarragon, basil, marjoram) Vinaigrette: 1/3 cup (75 mL) extra virgin olive oil 2 tbsp (25 mL) white wine vinegar 1 clove garlic, crushed 40 THE RURAL VOICE Peach and Blueberry Cream Crunch — a crispy, melt - in -your -mouth cookie forms the base for this favourite combination of peaches, cream and blueberries. The cookies may be prepared ahead of time and stored in an airtight container. 1 tsp (5 mL) finely chopped fresh tarragon 1/2 tsp (2 mL) each, salt and granulated sugar 1/4 tsp (1 ml) black pepper Tear greens into bite -size pieces. In large mixing bowl, combine greens, peaches, plums or nectarines and herbs. (May be assembled without fruit the night before; add fruit just before tossing with dressing.) Vinaigrette: In food processor and using steel blade, combine oil, vinegar, garlic, tarragon, salt, sugar and pepper. Pour into jar and refrigerate for up to 2 weeks. Toss salad, with dressing. GRILLED SPARERIBS WITH PEACH STUFFING 2 racks back spareribs, about 2 1/2 lb (1 kg) Stuffing: 1 tbsp (15 mL) vegetable oil 1/4 cup (50 mL) each chopped sweet red pepper, onion and celery 2 peaches, peeled and chopped 1/2 cup (125 mL) fresh bread crumbs salt and pepper Herb rub: 1 tbsp (15 mL) herbs de Provence 1 tsp (5 mL) paprika 1 tsp (5 mL) granulated sugar 1/2 tsp (2 mL) pepper vegetable oil Simmer ribs covered with water for 20 min. Drain and let cool. Stuffing: In skillet, heat oil over medium- high heat; saute red pepper, onion and celery until barely tender. Stir in peaches, bread crumbs and salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat. Lay 1 rack of ribs on cutting board; spoon peach mixture evenly over ribs. Place second rack of ribs on top; tie together to hold stuffing in place. Herb rub: Mix together herbs de provence, paprika, sugar and pepper. Brush one side of ribs with oil; rub on half of herb mixture. Turn ribs and repeat. Place on greased grill or preheated barbecue over indirect heat. Close lid and grill at medium heat for 10 to 15 min. until browned. Turn and grill 10 to 15 min. longer or until ribs are fork -tender, brown and crisp.