6 Delicious Ways to Celebrate Summer’s Sweetest Fruit

As Rhode Islanders, we know how to savor summertime. What better way to celebrate National Peach Day than with a juicy lineup of peach-inspired recipes? Whether you're picking peaches at a local farm (check out FarmFreshRI.org for nearby farmers' markets) or grabbing them fresh from the store, these delicious dishes are sure to have you feeling peachy in no time.

Peach & Prosciutto Flatbread with Arugula

A little bit sweet, a little bit salty, and a whole lot of delicious.

Ingredients:

• 2 fresh peaches, thinly sliced
• 4-6 slices of prosciutto 
• Flatbread (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, shredded
• A handful of arugula 
• Olive oil (for drizzling)
• Balsamic glaze (for drizzling)

Steps:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F.
2. Place the flatbread on a baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil.
3. Evenly spread the shredded mozzarella over the flatbread.
4. Layer the peach slices and prosciutto on top of the cheese.
5. Bake for 8-10 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Remove from the oven and top with fresh arugula and a drizzle of balsamic glaze. Slice it up and serve hot or at room temperature for the perfect appetizer or light meal!

Peachy Ice Cream Sandwiches

A cool treat with a peachy twist ideal for hot summer days.

Ingredients:

• 2 fresh peaches (diced)
• 1 pint of vanilla ice cream (preferably from a local creamery)
• 12-16 gingersnap cookies 
• 2 Tbsp Rhode Island honey (optional)

Steps:

1. Let the vanilla ice cream soften slightly, and then fold in the diced peaches.
2. Scoop a generous amount of the peachy ice cream onto a gingersnap cookie.
3. Top with another gingersnap to create a sandwich.
4. Optional: Drizzle a little honey on the ice cream before sandwiching if you like extra sweetness.
5. Wrap the sandwiches in wax paper and freeze until firm. When you're ready, bite into summer’s best treat!

Peach & Goat Cheese Stuffed Chicken

This dish is elegant enough for a dinner party but easy enough for a weeknight meal.

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts 
• 2 fresh peaches, thinly sliced
• ½ cup goat cheese 
• 1 Tbsp fresh thyme, chopped
• Olive oil 
• Salt and pepper to taste

Steps:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F.
2. Slice each chicken breast horizontally to create a pocket.
3. Stuff each chicken breast with slices of peach, goat cheese, and a sprinkle of fresh thyme, and season the outside with salt and pepper.
4. Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown.
5. Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, until the chicken is fully cooked.
6. Serve with a side of roasted vegetables or a light salad. 

Peachy BBQ Sauce

This sweet and tangy BBQ sauce is perfect for slathering on everything, from ribs to grilled veggies.

Ingredients:

• 4 fresh peaches, peeled and chopped
• ½ cup brown sugar
• ¼ cup apple cider vinegar 
• ½ cup ketchup 
• 2 cups Worcestershire sauce 
• 1 tsp garlic powder 
• Salt and pepper to taste

Steps:

1. In a medium saucepan, combine peaches, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar over medium heat.
2. Stir in ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the peaches are soft and the sauce thickens.
4. Purée the mixture in a blender or use an immersion blender until smooth.
5. Use it as a marinade, a dip, or brush it on your favorite grilled meats.

Peach & Lobster Salad

Fancy, fresh, and oh-so Rhode Island.

Ingredients:

• 2 ripe peaches, diced
• 1 cup cooked lobster meat, chopped
• 4 cups arugula
• 2 tablespoons fresh herbs, chopped (basil and mint work well)
• 1/4 cup citrus vinaigrette (store-bought or homemade)

Steps:

1. In a large bowl, toss arugula with a light drizzle of citrus vinaigrette.
2. Add diced peaches and lobster meat, and toss ingredients gently to combine.
3. Sprinkle with fresh herbs.
4. Chill for 15 minutes, and then serve this seafood feast!

Ocean State Peach Jam

Spread the love with this sweet treat.

Ingredients:

• 4-5 ripe peaches, peeled and chopped
• 1½ cups sugar
• 1 Tbsp lemon juice

Steps:

1. In a large pot, combine peaches, sugar, and lemon juice.
2. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the peaches break down and the mixture thickens (about 20-25 minutes).
3. Let it cool slightly, then pour into jars.
4. Seal and store in the fridge, or share it with friends and neighbors.
5. Spread it on toast, pancakes, or anything that needs a little sweetness.

Peach & Ricotta Pancakes with Maple Syrup

Brunch just got a whole lot peachier!

Ingredients:

• 2 fresh peaches, diced
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• Pancake mix (or homemade batter)
• Rhode Island maple syrup to taste
• Butter 
• Powdered sugar (for dusting)

Steps:

1. Prepare your pancake batter according to the package or your favorite recipe.
2. Gently fold in the ricotta cheese and diced peaches.
3. Heat a skillet over medium heat and melt a bit of butter.
4. Pour the batter into the skillet, cooking until bubbles form on the surface, then flip.
5. Serve stacks of pancakes, drizzled with warm maple syrup, and topped with a dusting of powdered sugar. Brunch goals achieved!