Natural Treats

Summer is good for the soul for so many reasons. More sunshine, more fresh air, more long weekends spent with our families. And to nourish the soul, there is fresh-to-die-for summer produce. 

To celebrate summer’s bounty we have some very simple recipe ideas for each of our fave treats that are available this season.

We all know peaches are yummy sliced and diced in yogurt, on top of ice cream and in pies and crumbles. But have you ever grilled a peach on the Q before? It tastes great as a side with pork or fish. Simply peel and slice the peach in half, then remove the pit. Sprinkle with lemon juice and cover with plastic wrap until ready to cook. Over a low flame, place the flat side of the peach on the grill and let sit until the grill marks make it (and you) look professional. Note that this recipe works best on peaches that are not quite ripe as they are more solid and the grilling brings out the flavour.

Tomatoes are so big, so juicy and so abundant this time of year. We love slow cooking them in bulk and freezing them for the long winter months. But while they are still in season, grill them (like you do the peaches) and bring out a whole new flavour. Slice in half, sprinkle with salt and brush some olive oil on the flat side. Set on a medium grill for abut five minutes (watching them carefully so there are no flare ups) and then turn on the round side to top with grated parmesan cheese and fresh basil. A great side dish with any meat. You can also skip the cheese step and add the tomatoes to a bowl of cooked pasta noodles, fresh basil and goat cheese. (Fresh pepper, a glass of chardonnay and everyone is happy.)

We can’t forget about corn. We like the peaches and cream variety the best because it tastes good enough to eat without butter (but we do eat it with butter, of course). Here are some good to know’s that we have learned about corn:

1. If boiling, put sugar in the water and not salt. Only boil for 3-5 minutes.
2. If grilling with husks on, soak in water first. Turn often and keep on grill for at least twenty minutes.
3. You can freeze corn for the winter. Husk, parboil and store in plastic freezer bags.

So make the most of your summer bounty and store some away for a little ray of sunshine during the long winter months. Hope you won’t think we’re corny for saying that’s a peachy keen idea.

A Savvy tip from one of our readers: Marianne E. finds that when cleaning your veggies, apple cider vinegar is more effective than rinsing with plain water and is a good natural cleanser.  She mixes a bit of water with apple cider vinegar and rinses her fruits and veggies before eating.

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