I am not a peach lover but my wife does, she like every things that make of peach. Hardly understand…huh.
Luckily these few quick recipes will simply make her day
1. The summery cocktail
Put 2 ripe peaches, stoned and diced, 2 tsp lemon juice and ½ tsp caster sugar in a food processor or blender and whizz until smooth. Pass the purée through a sieve (discard the solids), then divide among 6 champagne glasses. Top up with chilled prosecco and garnish with fresh basil leaves.
2. Speedy pud
Put 600ml water, 350g caster sugar, 1 vanilla pod and the pared zest and juice of 1 lemon in a pan. Slowly bring to the boil, stirring, then add 8 halved and stoned yellow peaches and simmer for 10-15 minutes until soft. Skin them, if you like, then serve with ice cream and crumbled amaretti biscuits.
3. Easy summer tart
Unroll a 375g sheet of ready-rolled puff pastry, then score with a 1cm border. Bake for 20 minutes at 220°C/200°C fan/gas 7 until puffed and golden. Leave to cool, then push down the middle. Mix 250g mascarpone with the grated zest and juice of 1 lime and 2 tbsp icing sugar. Spread the mixture inside the border, top with sliced ripe peaches, drizzle with honey and sprinkle with fresh mint.
4. The barbecue side
Halve and stone 4 peaches, then barbecue or griddle, cut-side down, until lightly charred. Cut into wedges, then toss with 4 torn prosciutto slices, 25g pecans, 90g rocket leaves, 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar and a glug of olive oil.
5. Mini melba pavlovas
Slice 3 peaches, then mix with 100g fresh raspberries, 2 tbsp honey and 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves. Leave to macerate for 20 minutes. Whip 200ml double cream with 1 tbsp icing sugar to soft peaks, then divide among 8 mini meringue nests. Spoon over the fruit mixture and serve straightaway.