Life's A Peach

I had an awesome childhood
surrounded by incredible family
and incredible food :)

On a daily basis, I am reminded of my childhood in many different ways.  Whether it's hearing my dad's favourite oldie on the radio or visiting a place that I often did as a child, I love remembering the good ol' days.

Of all of the things that bring me back in time, one trumps all others - FOOD!  I grew up watching both my parents cook, and enjoying incredible homemade meals and baked goods.  Strawberry jam reminds me of strawberry picking with my family, and spending hours in the kitchen with my mother making fresh jam.  Homemade pizza reminds me of Friday nights, when my mom would turn the house into a pizzeria filled with aromas that made our mouths water.  Even air-popped popcorn brings back memories, of Saturday movie nights with my parents and siblings.

This week my husband and I are on holidays at the cottage.  We're here making wonderful memories with our children, spending the quality time that we desperately need!  Along with water fun all day, we've been eating like royalty.  I've had the time to cook delicious meals for my family and my boys have happily gobbled up each meal after full days outdoors.

After a delish dinner tonight (followed by an evening fishing excursion), I decided to make a special dessert to end a perfect day.  I glanced over at a basket of fresh Ontario peaches and thought of the vanilla ice cream in the freezer.  In an instant I was transported to my childhood, thinking of summer nights when my mom would serve us fresh peaches and ice cream.  Easy to make, and a guaranteed crowd pleaser!


Warm Peaches & Ice Cream

Ingredients:
4 large, ripe Ontario peaches
1 tsp butter
1 container of your favourite vanilla ice cream

Directions:

1. Rinse and peel peaches.  Cut peeled peaches into half-inch sections and place in a bowl.
2. Place butter in a large non-stick skillet over med-high heat.  As soon as the butter starts to sizzle, add the peach sections to the pan.
3. Lower heat to medium and sautee the peaches for approximately 10 minutes.
4. Fill four bowls with vanilla ice cream.  Distributing evenly, place peaches on top of ice cream.
5. Serve immediately.

Peaches sauteeing in butter

Warm peaches on vanilla ice cream...mmmm!

Ice cream is not an every-day treat or dessert for my family.  When I do serve it though, I try to make it extra special.  Warm peaches over vanilla ice cream is a delicious dessert to serve to your family or even dinner guests (place the dessert in fancy glassware to impress your guests).  And if I can sneak one produce serving from Canada's Food Guide into dessert, I'll jump at the chance!  Try this dessert while Ontario peaches are in season, from July to September each year.  I promise the only thing you'll hear during dessert is "mmmm"!