If there were only one word to describe this summer in Ontario, it would be sultry. Hot, steamy, sticky, sweltering…somehow miss the mark on how deliciously febrile this weather truly is, and how it makes my body, from my blood to my bones, just ooze into a state of total surrender. Luscious relaxation. You know that kind of heat? Yea, it’s what I live for.
Gorgeous weather aside; I am pretty thrilled to be in Ontario right now because the peaches in this province are out-of-this-world delicious. Perhaps a product of such concentrated heat, they are bursting with sweet, ripe juices and all around lusciousness. No wonder then, that when introduced to just a little heat and warming spice, they too surrender into a complete state of succulent slump, not unlike myself. Totally sultry.
The idea for this dessert came from my good friend Elana, who every year makes up a big batch of stewed peaches and spices, with a swirl of coconut milk and a couple shots of rum. Oh yes. We eat our bowls of sultry sweetness giggling through mouthfuls of total indulgence, and always going back for seconds (and often thirds). She calls this dish “sexy peaches” because they really are that good. Even though my version skips the alcohol, it still delivers uncompromising flavour and unadulterated pleasure. Oh my.
Yum, yum Potassium!
Potassium is that essential mineral that for some reason is always equated with bananas. Although this is not at all incorrect, there are plenty of other good fruit and vegetable sources of potassium, including peaches. Hooray!
Potassium is part of the electrolyte family of minerals, alongside sodium and chloride. Working closely together, these electrolyte minerals actually conduct electricity when dissolved in water! Naturally, potassium plays a key role in maintaining proper heart function, transmission of nerve impulses and muscle contraction – operations that require electrical communication. The frequency and degree to which our muscles contract, and the degree to which our nerves become excitable, both depend heavily on the presence of potassium in the right amount.
Because of the tight balance between potassium and sodium, it is important to consume these minerals in the right amounts. In our often salt-laden diets, we consume nearly twice the amount of sodium than potassium, throwing this balance out of whack and increasing the need for our forgotten mineral friend. Luckily, this is an easy fix. Lighten up on refined and packaged foods, as these almost always carry mother loads of sodium (check the labels!). Instead munch on whole, unprocessed goodies like fruits and veggies, which contain an abundance of potassium that is easily used by the body.
This dessert is a total breeze to make, however very impressive and satisfying. I think the warming spice blend successfully compliments the sweet, peachy goodness without being overwhelming. The blueberries, although optional, add amusing punctuation marks throughout the dish, and when crushed release an exquisite swirl of magenta juice. The coconut ice cream is an absolute must, especially if it’s new to you. It’s totally vegan, free of crazy additives, unpronounceable ingredients, and tastes incredible. My favorite brand is Coconut Bliss. Alternatively, you could use canned coconut milk, but keep it in the fridge before serving to ensure it’s cold – the temperature contrast is key.
Sultry Summer Peaches & Cream
Serves 4
Ingredients:
4 – 5 ripe peaches
½ cup wild blueberries (optional)
½ cup water
2 Tbsp. pure maple syrup
¼ tsp. ground cardamom
2 whole cloves
½ vanilla bean, seeds scraped (reserve empty bean pod)
pinch sea salt
coconut ice cream to serve
Directions:
1. Wash and pit the peaches, then slice into wedges.
2. Add the peaches and remaining ingredients (including the empty vanilla bean pod) to a saucepan, bring to a boil, reduce to simmer on low for about 20 minutes.
3. Let cool slightly. Ladle peaches into bowls and add a scoop of coconut ice cream. Serve immediately.
Now that you’re all hot and bothered, go grab some peaches and take it to the next level. You heard me.
Somehow I’ve managed to miss this recipe on the blog and am only now finding it. Unfortunately I won’t have fresh peaches for many months, but when they’re in season this summer I’m making this for sure! Coconut Bliss is made here in my little hometown. They are such honorable people with equally wonderful company. I’m not sure how I feel about agave, but this is indeed such a wonderful dessert. I can’t wait to make it. Thanks xo
I made these without blueberries and cloves. I enjoyed them over oatmeal and it was awesome. thanks. Mary
This was nice although next time I would omit the blueberries. I agree that it contrasted nicely with a cool banana ice cream for dessert. I also liked it on top of my morning oatmeal!
I wrote about it here: http://tastespace.wordpress.com/2011/08/25/peaches-and-blueberries-with-banana-soft-serve-ice-cream/
I’m so enjoying your blog and am about to make your yogurt immediately, but I wanted to ask you if you’ve ever read anything by Diana Gabaldon? You have a lovely tone to your writing that reminds me of her (there really isn’t a higher compliment in my book) and if you haven’t read her, you must.
Thank you for all your wonderful recipes!
what a wonderful summer dish! interesting with the spices. Have to try it as soon as i get some vegan icecream. Its like vanilla icecream with hot cherries brought to a completely new level!
you are always an inspiration 🙂
I made this desert for tonight and it was delicious! Just wonderful! Afterwards, you have a nice, warm feeling in your stomac, also because of the nice spices. We ate it without blueberries and it was a coconut/lenomgras ice cream. But it was so great, that I will repeat that soon…
Thanks again, Sarah, for sharing this delicious desert!
This looks divine! I’m going through an intense blueberry period at the moment and I think this would definately hit the spot. Just like Plommonet I haven’t found any coconut ice cream yet (I live in Gothenburg, Sweden). So I would also love a recipe. 🙂
Thank you Sarah. I should just have looked it up. In danish it’s of course nellike.
-Emilie
This looks and sounds delish! I added it on my weekly round up on my blog today 🙂
Oh yum, this looks SO delicious!!!! I love peaches and can’t wait for it to be peach season here!
Hey Emilie, cloves are a spice. Here is a link in case you are not familiar with them: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clove
All the best, Sarah B.
Aaaah totally working a similar combo on my blog this week! Warming spice, maple and all. So lovely!
This looks divine, the peaches in Ontario are AMAZING this year! And Coconut bliss is my new lover this summer. Mmm, mm.
xoxo
Dear Sarah B.
You write, in the list of ingredients:
2 cloves (of what ?)
I can’t wait to make this recipe. It looks lovely!
-Emilie
I just came home from the market with a 3L basket of Ontario peaches and was wondering what delights would be made of them.
Thank heavens Sarah B’s on the summer fruit beat!! Can’t wait to get sultry with my bounty 🙂
Ontario peaches truly are the best! I don’t know what makes them so blissfully delicious, but I miss them loads. Enjoy!
Hmm…sounds strikingly familiar to Florida…hot, humid, sultry. I just put the coconut ice cream on my list. It sounds like perfection with the peaches.
Enjoy your wonderful time in Canada! I didn’t know that about peaches. Good to know as my husband had a leg cramp in the middle of the night and I have him eating bananas. Now I can tuck a peach in his lunch too!
Hey Plommonet,
Yea, great question. Unfortunately I don’t think Scandinavia has caught up with on vegan ice cream front, but I’ll certainly keep you posted! Let’s pray together 😀
All the best, Sarah B
This looks absolutley amazing. Just gonna get my hand on some good-enough-peaches and then I’ll do it!
My only problem is the ice cream. I’ve been looking around, but can’t seem to find any good brand selling vegan coconut ice cream in Sweden. Do you know one? Otherwise I’ll put “Vegan coconut ice cream recipe” on my whishing list! 🙂 Keep on enjoying the sun!
The peaches really have been amazing this year. I am savouring every moment of this summer.
Will you be in Ontario much longer? I’d love to meet up if you make it to Toronto.
I promise to bring the coconut bliss!
this looks delicious. perfect for the end of summer. the pics make me envious. LOVE THIS BLOG xxo
It sounds amazing. Both the hot weather and the ice cream.
Good call on spendig summer back in Canada; the weather here in Copenhagen has been miserable.