The Mighty Peach to the Rescue

If man does not keep pace with his companions,

perhaps it is because he hears a different drummer.

Let him step to the music which he hears, 

however measured or far away.

Henry David Thoreau

The mighty peach comes to the rescue for meal planning during the heat wave.

 The following recipes are easy and can be put together quickly.

Ham and Peach Panini

Cook's notes: The sandwich can also be cooked on a griddle. It was adapted from

Southern Living July 2012 I added fresh basil to the recipe.

Ingredients:

• firm bread slices  (ciabatta)
• deli ham
• provolone or fontina cheese
• 2 medium peaches-sliced with skin on 
• honey 
• Dijon mustard  
• chopped fresh basil

Directions: For each sandwich

• On one bread slice spread mustard with 1/4 tsp. honey, top with a slice of ham, then a slice of cheese, then two or three thin slices of the peach (pat dry) and end with chopped basil
• Top with other bread slice and brush very lightly with olive oil
• Cook sandwich on griddle or panini maker then flip over 
• Both sides should be browned and crisp before serving

Peach Salsa

Cook's notes: This sauce can be used for grilling chicken or pork chops. I had some extra fruit so added blueberries and strawberries. Also added chopped fresh basil. The salsa is enough for 4 pork chops or 2-3 large pieces of chicken

Adapted from Southern Living July 2012

Ingredients:

• 1/2 medium onion chopped 
• 1 garlic clove minced
• 1 cup ketchup
• 1/2 cup peach preserves
• 1/2 tsp. ginger 
• 1/2 yellow pepper diced
• 1/2 tsp. brown sugar
• 2 large peaches cut in chunks
• 2 TB. balsamic vinegar
• chopped basil
• salt to taste
• optional adding in blueberries and strawberries and 1 TB peach schnapps

Directions:

• Saute in 1 TB. butter onions, peppers and minced garlic clove till onions and garlic are limp
• Whisk in ketchup, peach preserves, basil, brown sugar and ginger,
• Cook on low heat till thickened about 15 minutes
• Add in fruit and vinegar and cook 1-2 minutes more
• Add salt to taste 
• Remove from heat and add in schnapps
• Divide sauce in half and use to baste meat while grilling and use rest of sauce when serving meal