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9 Ways to Cook and Bake with Ontario Peaches

Ontario peaches are so sweet and juicy, waiting for their arrival requires some patience. They can be found at grocery stores and farmers markets from July to September only, giving us all the more reason to cook and bake with them. Here are a few ways you can make the most of this summer fruit staple.

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The Niagara peninsula consists of over 3,000 hectares of various soft fruits. Peaches are the main crop, followed by pears, plums and nectarines. Apricot cultivation remains limited, while the cherry crops (both sour and sweet) are reserved for the u-pick harvest.

1. Bacon-Wrapped Chicken and Peach Mini Skewers

Peaches make an appearance at the start, right at cocktail hour, served on tiny skewers with a piece of chicken and some bacon. Marinate them for about 15 minutes in vinegar, butter and honey before tossing them on the grill.

2. Peach Schnapps

Yes, you can make this popular peach liqueur yourself at home. You just need to prepare it in advance, as the peaches need to marinate in simple syrup and vodka for a week in the fridge.

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3. Grilled Pork Chops with Herbed Cheese and Grilled Peaches

Peach season coincides with grilling season. So take the opportunity to grill the seasonal fruit along with pork chops. Once cooked, garnish the chops with a soft cheese and herb spread. It’s a simple summer recipe that you can easily whip up during the week.

4. Peach Jam

By making and preserving this classic jam, your mornings will feel sunny all year long. Peaches, sugar and lemon juice are all you need.

5. Honey and Ginger Roasted Peaches

Don’t feel like spending too much time in the kitchen on dessert? Simply coat the peaches in a honey and ginger syrup before baking them until tender. Serve with ice cream and top with crushed biscotti.

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6. Crispy Goat Cheese Salad with Peaches and Caramelized Almonds

Breaded goat cheese served on a bed of arugula and topped with thin mandoline-cut peach slices: This is an appetizer that’ll definitely impress your guests. For added texture, sprinkle the dish with caramelized almonds.

7. Endive, Peach, and Sausage Pizza

This surprising combination of toppings is simply delicious. The intense taste of the Gruyère cheese pairs well with the sweetness of the peaches. The latter are placed raw on the pizza at the end, so you may truly savour their freshness.

8. Chicken, Peach, and Chorizo Fricassee

You’ll adore this dish that’s both summery and comforting. Cook the chicken thighs and drumsticks with vegetables like tomatoes, yellow bell pepper and herbs. Add the peaches at the end of the cooking process, so that they remain a bit firm and don’t fall apart. Garnish with fried sage leaves for a crispy and aromatic touch.

9. Peach Upside-Down Cake

To prepare this gorgeous upside-down cake, place halved peaches at the bottom of a baking dish before pouring the batter over them. Each slice of cake will then feature a large peach piece, bringing both an aesthetically pleasing effect and an intense summer flavour.

 

There are certain varieties of peaches, called clingstone, where the fruit’s flesh clings to the pit, making it difficult to separate the fruit in two. These are the first peaches of the season, and are available from mid-July to mid-August. Freestone peaches, for their part, are available starting mid-August through to the end of September.

For more colourful, fruit-based ideas, consult our selection of recipes :