Peaches

The smell from these peaches in my local greengrocers attracted me as soon as I walked in so I just had to buy them.

Nothing says 'summer' to me more than peaches and they remind me of long hot holidays in France where they would accompany some cold meat, cheese & wine for a lazy lunch......

Peaches are very popular as a first food for babies and young children. They are not considered to be highly allergenic - making them a good choice as a first food and are rich in antioxidants, peaches also provide vitamin C, riboflavin, potassium and fibre.

Here are some delicious and simple ideas for serving peaches to babies....

from google images

For babies 6 months or older...

... Cut a ripe, peeled peach into cubes and dust with cinnamon for a quick and easy finger food.

... Put peeled chunks of peach in the freezer and offer them to your little one to gnaw on when teething.

... Puree frozen peach chunks with banana for a refreshing dessert.

... Stir pureed peach - or soft peach cubes - into cooked rice or couscous

... Mash ripe peach and mix with cottage cheese.

... Poach peach halves in apple juice and puree.

....Puree peach and cooked chicken for a simple dinner.

Fun Peach Recipe Ideas for Older Children

All these recipes can be succesfully made by children - as usual just supervise when hot & choppy things are involved!

Peach Popsicles
3 or 4 ripe peaches - halved and pitted
Juice from one lemon

icing sugar to taste¼ cup freshly-squeezed orange juice
¼ teaspoon vanilla extract

Chop peaches in a food processor. Transfer 1 cup (keep the peaches somewhat chunky) to a medium bowl. Add the lemon juice, orange juice, and sugar (if the peaches need some sweetness) to the processor. Puree until smooth. Add to the bowl with the chunky peaches, then stir in vanilla.

Divide the mixture among ice-lolly moulds (or small paper cups). Freeze until beginning to set (about 1 hour). Insert frozen treat sticks into molds and freeze until completely firm (one hour more).

Marshmallow Peaches

Cut peaches in half and remove stone.

Place a marshmallow in each half, sprinkle with a little brown sugar and coconut and grill until lightly browned.

Serve with ice cream or yogurt.

Peach And Prawns Kebabs

Soak bamboo skewers in water for 30 minutes.

Peel and dice peaches and thread alternatively on skewers with prawns. Brush with melted butter seasoned with a dash of Tabasco and chopped coriander.

Grill or barbecue until cooked through.

Chicken With Peach Sauce

Pan-fry or barbecue 4 chicken breast fillets. Remove and keep warm. Add 2 peeled and thickly sliced peaches, 2 tablespoons marmalade and 1 teaspoon soy sauce to pan.

Heat and serve over chicken sprinkled with chopped chives and roasted almonds.