It's All Peachy

 This is still peach season. Those golden gems are out there and they are a versatile fruit. You can eat them any way - cook them any way  - bake them any way.They are perfect for meals and snacks.

Peaches first appeared in China and is a deciduous tree, meaning the fruit falls off when they're ripe.Surprisingly nectarines are also peaches but without the peach's characteristic fuzz.They arrived in England and France in the 1600's Most peaches come from China, Greece,Spain,Italy and Turkey,The Spanish brought the fruit to Latin a nd South America They came to the US thanks to Thomas Jefferson.They're now in Marylsnd, Delaware Georgia, South Carolina, Virginia and New Jersey.Many states such as New Jersey have farms where visitors can pick bushels of them.There are hundreds of peach and nectarine cultivars.There are two type,s the freestone where the pit easily comes out. These should be eaten fresh, The second category is the clingstone where the pit clings to the flesh.These are good for canning but also for eating too. These golden gems are loaded with all sorts of vitamins from A to K. Eat them for their vitamin C content too. Even the peach skin is an antioxidant, loaded with cancer fighting antioxidants.

Of course the best way to have a peach is after it's been chilled in fridge for a few hours. Yet chilled sliced peaches are also good in salad too. Add  sliced chicken breasts along with feta and grapes along with a simple white wine vinaigrette for an elegant lunch or dinner. Most home chefs love baking with the fruit. Wednesday's New York Times Food section had a recipe for peach cobbler - the summer dessert of choice.Regular contributor Melissa Clark gives two versions, one an easy buttermilk one while the other is an upside down one, made in much the same way as a pineapple upside down cake.If you're making these she recommends using brown sugar as opposed to white to give the peaches a caramel note. Another amazingly good peach dessert is pesche ripiene. These are stuffed peaches made with crumbled amaretto biscuits. chopped peach pits and butter. My family has always added peach schnappes to these for more flavor and kick but you can also use peach juice too after they're baked and cooled. of course peach muffins are a nice way to start the day or a perfect snack.These scratch muffins are packed with flavor from the fruit to cinnamon. Peach cake is also a great summer treat.The simple cake is loaded with peaches and makes for a wonderful afternoon snack with iced tea or served with ice cream for a tasty dessert.

Peaches are in abundance right now. Pick a bushel and use them in cakes, pies,muffins and even salads. Have them stuffed and drizzled with a peach liqueur . Enjoy them anyway  for their flavor and benefits.

Fall Baking

 THis is definitely the time for baking. The weather is perfect for creating everything from muffins to pies.There are spices to try and fruit to add. It'll be a busy season.

Yes , this is also pumpkin spice season.Yet what would be better than pumpkin pie or pumpkin tartlets. You could use fresh pumpkin although most home bakers used the canned variety. This already is spiced and just needs to be poured into a shell. A different spin on it would be creating tartlets, perfect for fall parties. You can easily use a muffin tin for this .It;'s putting cups of pastry dough in them and filling them with a mix of pumpkin puree, half and half , brown sugar, ginger, salt allspice and egg.(the last to bind th epuree and give it some body." After they''re baked you can add a puff of whipped cream. Another pumpkin laden treat is pumpkin bread, perfect for a snack or for breakfast.it too has such warming spices as cinnamon along with the pie filling. Another breakfast treat are pumpkin muffins, made with pumpkin puree and milk. There are also the requisite spices too like ginger and cinnamon.You can also make pumpkin cupcakes too, with out without a tangy cream cheese frosting.

Of course what would fall baking be without apples? They're everywhere. Most sweet tooths love a good cinnamon laced pie. These are great , especially after a fall Sunday dinner but what about something a bit more rustic yet sophisticated?Try a galette which is an easier bake than a regular pie.This is just rolling out the dough and then filling with with sliced apples. The crust is then folded over the apples with an opening in the middle. Some home bakers drizzle caramel on it after it's been baked. Another sweet treat is a turnover stuffed with the fruit. The dough is a light  flaky one that crackles and is the perfect foil for the apple mix. A  These make great snacks to bring to school or to work.  Use puff pastry sheets (which can store easily in your freezer for the shell and Granny Smith apples for the filling. Granny Smiths are the best option for these because of their tartness and are not overly sweet. Turnovers can be decorated with a drizzle of a confectioner's sugar glaze. This is just a blend of the sugar milk and vanilla and then it;s piped onto the turnovers tops.

It's fall and the season for baking. You can go with anything pumpkin or anything apple. The end result is a sweet treat perfect with a hot cup of tea or coffee.

Classic Summer Recipes

This is the time of year when classic summer recipes come in handy. They make good use of the produce of the season, from zucchini to corn, from fresh fruit to fresh herbs. These are what make summer eating memorable.

Farms and farmer's markets are selling corn right now. Og course there is classic corn on the cob (made easier with an air fryer) but there's also the deliciou corn chowder which can be made now and then frozen for the colder weather. This is a creamy soup made with crispy bacon  which gives the fat to saute the onion. Potatoes and chicken broth are added to this along with flour mixed with milk and heavy cream. Three cups  of fresh corn along with a pound of Russet potatoes are added. A cup of white Cheddar cheese is added for more richness along with salt and pepper. It's a perfect soup to make on one of those rare cool summer days. Another classic using the ears is corn salad. This is made with fresh tomatoes from the garden, sliced cucumber and chopped red onion. Dress with a simple oil and red wine vinaigrette. Another summer staple is zucchini. Sliced zuccnini coils sauteed in a mix of butter and oil  infused with chopped garlic. This is a perfect side for any grilled meat. Also consider subbing in the squash for eggplant when you make ratatouille too.

Fresh herbs are in bloom right now. It's definitely time to create pesto, the basil sauce from Genoa. This is taking two cups of fresh basil and blending them with half a cup of  olive oil. You could add pine nuts or walnuts if you want but this may cause the sauce to become rancid quickly. Add some Parmesan before you serve it. What's pesto good on? Try it on any kind of pasta from spaghetti to ravioli.It's also good on gnocchi too but even better on grilled chicken and pork chops. MInt is in abundance right now. It can be used in everything from salads to cocktails and mocktails. A refreshing picnic side dish are peas with mint. You could also add a sqwueeze of lemon to this. Try a simple syrup infused with mint. THis is just cooking water and granulated sugar together. A cup of freshly picked leaves is added to this and then strained out. Of course fruit is being harvested right now. It's the time for crisps and crumbles with all sorts of buttery , sweet toppings over cooked blueberries and blackberries,. However  bake classic fruit  muffins chock full of these gems that also include peaches. These are a great breakfast treat, especially slathered with butter.

This is the season that begs for classic recipes from summers past. Use the bounty of the season to create memorable dishes. It's time to make culinary memories.

Home Baked Breakfast Treats

 Breakfast sould be the most important meal of the day. It's sometimes the most boring , thanks to an every day rote of toast or cereal. Try home baked treats that are both healthy and nutritious to liven up the first meal of day . Another plus  - they can be eaten on the go.

One of the most fun breakfast treats is a good for you muffin.  Use healthy ingredients like honey and orange juice for sweetening and flavor along with mixing whiole oats with flour,. They can even be made eggless by subbing in flax seed or Just Egg vegan substitute and employing plant or nut milks for dairy. can a chocolate muffin be just as healthy? Yes!!!! You can even pack them with veggies for extra goodness. Spinach, kale, carrots or bananas can be added for extra vitamins and minerals. cooca powder, which doesn't have eany extra sugar or even fat is mixed into the recipe. You can amp up the flavor with tossing in chocolate chips. If these are too sweet then think about the classic bran muffin. This has whole wheat pastry flour along with wheat bran in it. Blackstrap molasses and apple sauce give the classic batch their deeply rich and fruity flavor.Blackstrap molasses is rich in antioxidants and helps with bone and hair health as well as alleviating anemia. Make ti an important part of breakfast baking.

Another tasty and healthy breakfast treat are breakfast bars. These are fun and a bit easier to make than muffins. Tne ingredients are basically the same as the muffins. Rolled oats give the bars their base and crunch while maple syrup or honey lend it sweetness. Flax eggs or regular ones are added along with bananas.As with any baked good, baking powder and soda are also tossed in  for lift and body. Peanut butter gives the bars a silky texture . Some home bakers put coconut oil in their bars to grve the bars a flakiness,It's a butter or margerine substitute. Add ins are encouraged. You can try dark chocolate chip or dried cranberries like "Craisins" for more color and flavor.  For more nutrition , try a half cup of pitted and chopped dates or raisins.Even though  it's not baked museli can still be made at home. it';s a nice change up from some of the store bought kind and better for the kids than all those high in sugar commerical cereals.Muesli starts with grains of any kind. You can use anything from rolled oats to quinoa flakes to millet puffs. Then it's adding dried seeds and dried fruits.agains there's a wide range to choose from. Try a combo of craiosns and pistachios or dried cheries and almonds.

Home baked and homemmade breakfast treats are just that - treats. They not only delicious but a great healthy bite. Make muffins or bars or whip of batch of muesli for a great way to start the day.

Your Own Coffee Shop Treats

 One of the best things about fall was heading to our favorite coffee shops and getting a coffee and a baked treat.Yet now with the pandemic, it's still kind of hard to get a favorite sweet and relax . However scones, muffins and doughnuts can easily be baked in your kitchen. What's even better is you can tailor them to your tastes.

Scones may sound fancy but they're not.Scones are just a variety of Scottish flatbreads called bannocks. They were first cooked in a large mound and then scored to create triangular pieces. Even today the recipe is easy and simple enough for the most novice home baker. They can be either sweet or savory. The basic recipe calls for flour, sugar, butter, heavy cream or butter milk and eggs. Baking powder is mixed in to give the scones lift along with salt which lifts the flavor. You can add vanilla if you want for a sweeter , dessert taste. The best tasting ones however, have grated frozen butter which will create pockets and a moist, crumbly inside,The best part are the add ins. Think chocolate chips and cinnamon for a sweet combo or orange and blueberries for a healthier bite. Scones can actually  be turned into a main course with the addition of ham, cheddar and scallions Just reduce the amount of sugar added and, of course, omit the vanilla. Top with flaky sea salt. Another savory idea is adding different herbs to the dough. Try garlic, rosemary , parsley and basil. These are perfect with a hot soup or chicken or ham salad.

Our favorite coffee shops are also known for their muffins and doughnuts. Muffins have been around since the early 1700's and are one of the easiest baking recipes. They're a type of quick bread, made primarily of melted butter, sugar, eggs, and milk mixed with the dry ingredients of flour,baking powder, salt and spices. Again these can have tasty variations such as chocolate chips and pecans  along with cinnamon and nutmeg. Fruit studded muffins make for a nice snack. Blueberry muffins are the most popular but you can also use strawberries and raisins too.Banana muffins are also a nice treat with coffee or tea. Keep in mind muffin recipes are fluid. You can sub in maple syrup or honey for sugar along with whole wheat and almond flour for refined white. Doughnuts rank right up there with muffins as the perfect coffee go with.Many home bakers are turned off by the fact of frying them , remember you can use an air fryer to bake them. Remember to use yeast in them for flufflier ones. You can also use premade biscuit dough too. Cake doughnuts have an easy recipe that 's your basic vanilla cake one. They're made with flour , eggs, vegetable oil ,brown sugar, and baking powder for lift. Decorate them with an easy to make glaze of confectioner's sugar , milk and vanilla.

You can still have coffee house treats with your cup of joe or tea. All it takes is some time in the kitchen and creativity. They'll be even better tasting , fresh from your oven.

Your Fall Kitchen Must Have Apples

One of the most versatile must haves this season is the apple. It can be used in both sweet and savory dishes, along with being a healthy snack. Consider it for all sorts of recipe from main to sides to dessert.

Every September I devote at least one post to this Swiss army knife of fruits. It can be used in many savory dishes. Keep in mind that there are so many different varieties and choosing the right kind for the right recipe is crucial. The US alone has 2,500 (!) different kinds with Red Delicious and Granny Smith being the most popular. Don't sub in one apple for another if the recipes says so. This mostly applies to the baking ones. If you're still in the dark then head to the website, www.bestapples.com that parses out everything about the fruit. It's from Washington State , a state vital to apple production and known for its' beautiful orchards. It's a great site that even explains the different types origins and what they're good for. Apples are great foils for pork recipes because their sweetness gives a boost to the meat's earthy unami's flavor. Slice up any kind, Gala for sweetness or the Granny Smiths for tartness. Apples are also the best ingredient for pork roast too. Can they be used with any other meat? Only chicken. They can be braised and sauteed with them. For a fancier dish , consider making Chicken Normandy, a Northern French dish that combines apples and with the lush combo of brandy and cream.

Of course apples are great in salads too. I love them with simple mixed greens, almonds and Craisins for a sweet side to tarragon chicken salad. If you have any leftover rotisserie chicken add it to the salad to make for a filling lunch. You can enhance the apple flavor with an apple cider vinaigrette or just a tiny bit of apple cider. Again apples and apple cider are key ingredients in fall baking. It also pays to have a small jug of cider in the fridge too. It's a nice refreshing drink but also makes for a zesty ingredient in doughnuts, cakes, and even muffins.It enriches the baked goods' crumb, going from yellow to a deep golden hue and adds a lovely fruity flavor . Some recipes will call for apple molasses or boiled apple cider. This is easy to make. It's a centuries old technique that requires pouring two gallons of apple cider (more or less) into a large non-reactive stockpot. This means using one that's either glass, copper, stainless steel but NOT aluminum. Boil down until there's only half left and then store in sterilized bottles (you can use your old wine ones). This syrup can be used in both baking and glazes as well as in barbecue sauces and meat glazes. It will keep in a cool dry place for months  - although it probably won;t last long if you're a prolific baker.

Apples are a key ingredient in both sweet and savory autumn dishes. Have a bowlful along with a jug of cider handy for all your cooking and baking needs. They are a must for tasty cool weather dishes and treats.

The All Powerful Banana

Bananas have been a staple in kitchens for over one hundred years. It's usually the first treat we eat and one of the first fruits we use as an ingredients It's the snack we carry to school or the office.Bananas also are packed with nutrients - the perfect fruit. It even has its' own carrying case.

Surprisingly a banana is a berry growing from a large herbaceous plant.Since the plant body is large and thick, banana plants are often mistaken for trees. The leaves are comprised of a stalk and a blade. There are the dessert or Cavendish kind which are bright yellow or the plaintain. The last is usually grilled, baked or fried, usually sliced wafer thin and deep fried until they resemble  potato chips. Bananas are one of the world's oldest fruit, going back to 8000 BCE. The seeds traveled westward, across the Indian Ocean to Africa, where the Wolof  tribe named it banaana. The Portuguese took it to western Africa and New World where banana plantations sprang up in Brazil. The plant also thrived in Jamaica where most banana plantations began.There is the myth that bananas are high in potassium which is not true. They are packed with nutrients that aid in heart health, thanks to being high in pectin, a much needed fiber. Americans eat mostly the deep yellow Cavendish variety, named for William Cavendish, the sixth duke of Devonshire. He introduced them to England in 1834, when only the aristocracy could afford them. Now they're in  every one's kitchens, Shoppers can buy them green and let them ripen in a paper bag with either a tomato or an apple.

Bananas are a baker's delight. The most common treat is banana bread. Many novice bakers usually try a banana bread as their first effort. It is an easy bake, with a tasty mix of ripe bananas, brown sugar and walnuts mixed with butter, flour , baking soda and eggs. The batter is poured into a greased loaf pan and baked for about an hour. It's the perfect brunch bread, sliced and slathered with cream cheese,For those in a hurry there are the instant mixes that only require eggs, vegetable oil and water., The flavor won't be as genuine because there's dried banana instead of fresh,. They can also be turned into tasty muffins and cakes too.Melissa Clark gave a decadent banana cake recipe in the Wednesday New York Times Food section. Hers is a rich , lush one  made with roasted(!) in their skin fruit.Lime juice and coconut are also added for a tropical flavor along with sour cream for richness.It's frosted with a coconut cream cream cheese frosting. and sprinkled with a generous amount of toasted coconut flakes. Of course bananas can be turned into healthy and tasty smoothies. Try one with yogurt along with skin milk for a refreshing sip after a walk or afternoon drink to wash down veggies and dip, Honey and wheat germ give it more of a good for you boost. You can also add some strawberries and swap out the honey for  chocolate syrup.Try a coffee banana one  sweetened with agave nectar. Greek yogurt gives it its' creaminess

Bananas are the perfect ingredient or snack. They fun to eat as well as being a great ingredient that add rich flavor to anything from cakes to breads and muffins to smoothies.Always have this versatile fruit in the kitchen.

Breakfast Sandwiches Explained

We're always told to eat a good, well rounded breakfast.It helps us get through the day and it's part of a balanced diet.However create a hearty home cooked breakfastvhas two thongs against it,it can be boring and it can also be too labor intensive.That's about to change.There's a new cookbook out with recipes on quick and easy breafast sandwiches.Best of all they can be made and eaten at any time during the day. Crazy For Breakfast Sandwiches (Ulysses Press) is a neat little cookbook by author and chef Jessica Harlan.She is a food writer as well as culinary teacher who has come up with a variety of recipes for anyone with a breakfast sandwich maker(the best one to buy is made by Hamilton Beach and can be bought anywhere from Bed, Bath and Beyond to Target and Amazon.)"It's a neat little contraption that can cook eggs, cheese, meat and muffins all together in five minutes.Ms.Harlan give advice as well as a categorized table from the base usually bread to what the basic ingredients and toppings.Anyone from the novice to experienced chef can make these.You can go without the breakfast sandwich maker, but it can be a little tricky. What's great is that you can sub in healthy alternatives too.Egg whites can used instead of the entire egg.Toppings can be cheese but there are a lot of recipes recommend fresh vegetables and even apples.Meats can be vegan breakfast patties or hot dogs.This is a cookbook for all tastes and for those curious cooks who want to try something new. Ms.Harlan has created some fun recipes .Some are perfect for a pajama party like the breakfast pizza.This is an egg topping a mini pizza made with Boboli pizza crust, pizza sauce and skim milk mozzarella.Weekend guests could be treated to crab cakes topped with dill eggs and hollandaise or the ever sophisticated lobster and tarragon creme fraiche muffin.This last is a muffin stuffed with lobster and scrambled egg with a sauce of tarragon laced creme fraiche.For health conscious breakfast lovers there is the gluten free sandwich with an avocado spread and a turkey egg white sandwich,The book and the breakfast sandwich are also perfect for those singletons living alone.There the tuna melt and English muffin pizza.There's also patty melts and grilled cheese that's are snaps to make.If you're craving a hot dessert then look into the back of the recipe book,You can try a quick pain au chocolate or an apple pie donut sandwich. Get the Crazy For Breakfast Sandwiches if you love hot sandwiches to start off your day.Ms. Harlan has created a must have, classic recipe book that's easy to follow.It's the perfect one for any McMuffin fan.You could have them your way!

Going To The Grain

Grains are one of the most important elements of a good diet. However not many people incorporate them into their diets. Why is a good question. They can be made into several tasty dishes that are nutritious and support our body's needs. Not only that, there is a wide variety to choose from and throw together with some veggies and meat to create a healthy lunch or supper.

Whole grains or seeds contain all the essential parts and naturally occurring nutrients of the entire grain seed,They can range from the lesser known amaranth to the ever popular wild rice. In between are the more common, corn, rye and barley along with teff, triticale  sorghum and triticale. grains can be used as fillers or even stuffing. For some such as the rices and millet, they can be incorporated  into puddings and even cakes for dessert.Grains are always a plus for any diet. You can reduce heart disease, diabetes and colon cancer along with obesity.

If you're new to cooking with whole grains then start with simple recipes. Stuffed peppers are always easy and a fun dinner treat. Stuff with rice or quinoa along with tomatoes  Quinoa can also be made into stuffing as well as tabbouleh. Try rye in soups or breads .Barley is always good in soups but it can also be used in risottos and chilis. For mores exotic dishes use the grain from North Africa , amaranth can be eaten like popcorn, or cooked like grits.Millet , another good for you grain, can be made into a light ,fluffy pilaf or baked into healthy biscuits , muffins and breads.

Discover the goodness of the different grains out there. They can be easily made into tempting and tasty dishes. Try one or two to wet your feet or all of them  for a better diet.

Volunteer Meals

Hurricane Sandy has taught us that volunteer work matters a lot. Helping out anywhere is a plus. If you can cook, that's more of a plus . Fire stations and even senior citizen center kitchens always need an extra hand. Even clean up is most appreciated too.

Most volunteers  usually just help set up food tables and ladle out food .However if you can pitch in with food prep do so. Most firehouses have their own chefs with their own favorite recipes. Some will accept another cook with new dishes. You can make dishes at home and bring them in. Lasagna, baked ziti and any casserole is easily made and transported. Also bringing in hot dogs and hamburgers along with turkey and veggie burgers are another good idea,, if local businesses haven't already donated them. You can make potato salad or baked beans if that's the case.

If your oven is working, then think about baking cookies and muffins for volunteers. Although they may not be nutritionally good, they;re still a rush of much needed sugar for energy. Slice and bake chocolate chips are the easiest to bake en masse. They;re also the easiest to transport too. You can also make slice and bake sugar cookies too. Muffins, whether big or small are great too/ These can be eaten for breakfast too with a hot cup of coffee. You can also vary the recipes for  the large and the mini. Try blueberry or chocolate chip  along with corn and cranberry as well. These , too, can be easily brought to any firehouse or center.

Volunteerism is needed during these tough times. Any way you can, contribute your cooking and baking skills.They will be much appreciated and much needed.

Healthy Fall Party Foods

This is the time of year for all sorts of get togethers- from tailgating dos to Halloween parties. It's also time for harvests too, full of  healthy fruits and veggies . Combine the two to get fun and nutrition. You'd be surprised at what can come out of a healthy menu.

Tailgating parties are a must this time of year. However they;re usually a leftover from the summer barbecue. The menus revolves around barbecued everything . This may be good but a bit unhealthy . Try adding some veggies to those kabobs such as fall faves like Brussels sprouts or carrots. Beets are big right now and you can make a regular salad with sliced ones or a slaw full of shredded beets.This is a nice offset to those brats and dogs.If you're planning on an at home party then think about another seasonal favorite- artichokes, These can be stuffed with breadcrumbs or just have the leaves dipped in a vinaigrette  as a nice hors d'ouevre . Artichoke hearts are also a good topping on homemade pizza as well.

This is also the time for fruits as well.Of course every Halloween party planner is probably planning a bob for apples games. You can also vary it by having a bob for pears instead. Both are good in mini tarts or in regular sized ones too. Any get together would benefit from an old fashioned homemade pie too. Try a sweet potato one because this is also the season for them. These can als be made into pudding as well and served with a creme fraiche. You can also make a fudge with them or bake them into chips.Cranberries are another fall treat. These can be baked into cookies and muffins, and mixed with nuts , makes an interesting after dinner nibble.

This is the season for fun fall parties. Inject some healthiness in them by adding the fruits and vegetables of the season. They can not only be good for you too but also tasty in some great recipes!

Lovin' From The Oven

Well,tomorrow is Valentine's Day and hopefully all you baking savvy foodies are busy with flour and sugar. Nothing says loves like a fresh baked treat whether it be a batch of muffins or a devil's food cake with rich , fudge frosting. You don't have have to knock yourself out. There's Pillsbury and Duncan Hines to turn to if you're a lousy baker.

What to make? Hey, everyone and I mean everyone loves chocolate chip cookies, even Pillsbury';s Slice and Bake kind. There's nothing like the taste of brown sugar and dark, bitter chocolate melting on one's tongue. Sugar cookies are good too. Use heart shaped cookie cutters and then dust with red sugar. A better deal is to ice them with pastel frostings and write cute messages on them. For a more sophisticated batch try gaufrettes, buttery thin wafers that work well with either coffee , tea or a sweet dessert wine.

If you want your valentine to start the day off with some love think about baking biscuits or muffins for breakfast. There are some quick mixes out there that you can create an almost immediate batch of them. they're also not that elaborate to whip up so you can spend your energy making other breakfast goodies. Fresh bread , although, not necessarily thought of as romantic, also makes a nice opener to the day. There's nothing like it to go with bacon and eggs or a big country omelet.

If you're planning on a full dinner for several, then think about making a cake or cupcakes. Red velvet, though a bit more complicated to make than the average is a perfect end for an informal gathering. A plain pound or Bundt cake served with fresh strawberries and cream (or Cool Whip) is a great way of ending a Valentine's meal.If you're throwing a Valentine's Day buffet, then think about ending it with chocolate and vanilla cup cakes iced in pink and white.

Show your love this Valentine's Day by baking your heart out. Have a batch of something hot and sweet waiting for your beloved.