August is National Peach Month, and we’re celebrating by counting down the five best ways to eat a peach. Of course, there’s one caveat: the absolute best way to eat a peach is fresh off the tree, unadulterated by culinary whim. But we assumed you already knew that.
#5: Peach Ice Cream. August is hot. Escape to a cool paradise with a scoop of peach ice cream, frozen yogurt, or sherbet. Close your eyes and take a bite, allowing the velvety treat to soothe the summer swelters.
#4: Peach Salsa. So you’re sick of the same old salsa. That’s understandable. Get out of your rut by adding a little sweet to your spicy. Toss together peaches, red onion, jalapeno peppers, lime juice, cilantro, olive oil, and a pinch of salt for an out-of-the-box salsa that serves as a great accompaniment to chips or fish.
#3: Peach Jam. Classic. Who doesn’t love peach jam on their toast in the morning? And for those adventurous souls among us, it doesn’t have to stop there. Peach jam is also a fantastic condiment on meats such as pork, duck, and…wait for it…cheeseburgers. (Gasp.)
#2: Peach Cobbler. Deriving its name from the word cobeler, meaning wooden bowl, this dessert traces its origins back to the Colonies and to England. You probably have memories of your white-haired grandmother toiling away in the kitchen, peeling peaches and rolling biscuits. Her cobbler, crafted with equal parts precision and care, smells heavenly. How she does it you’ll never know.
#1: Grilled Peaches. Is it any surprise that the best way to eat a peach is also the way that changes the fruit the least from its natural state? When you start with something as magnificent as a plump, ripe peach, you don’t need much to make it perfect. Simply caramelize the fruit on the grill for 2-3 minutes per side, just until grill marks appear. Top with brown sugar, lemon juice, and if you’re feeling sassy, a whit of mascarpone cheese.