Peach Pleasures

"When peaches flower and ripen, days and nights are the same length." 

Corsican Proverb

Tomorrow is National Eat a Peach Day and I'm looking forward to showcasing sweet and savory peach recipes on Good Morning Washington! Tune  in from 9-10 to as I prepare recipes from Quick Diabetic Recipes for Wellness Wednesday. 
Did you know that peaches originated in China, made their way through Central Asia where they got their name in Persia, and travelled to the Mediterranean via Silk Route trading?

Today China still has the world's largest production of peaches, followed by Italy. In addition to tasting great, peaches are full of antioxidants which helps protect the body from carcinogenic mold.  Peaches are also powerful protectors against cholesterol, heart disease, and cancer as well. 

"There are three tasty morsels: figs, peaches, and melons", is a popular Sicilian proverb. Here are 4 tasty peach recipes which we'll be sampling on air tomorrow...

Peach Shortcake

Recipe from Quick Diabetic Recipes

PREP TIME: ABOUT 10 MIN | COOK TIME: 30 MIN | SERVINGS: 8 | SERVING SIZE: ½ CUP

INGREDIENTS

2½ cups sliced fresh peaches

½ cup slivered almonds

1½ tablespoons plus 1teaspoon granulated sugar substitute (such as stevia), divided

½ teaspoon almond extract

½ teaspoon cinnamon

1 cup whole-wheat flour

2 teaspoons baking powder

2 tablespoons canola oil

¼ cup egg substitute

¼ cup fat-free milk

DIRECTIONS

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.

Lightly spray an 8-x-8-x-2-inch baking pan with nonstick cooking spray. Arrange the peaches and almonds in the bottom of the dish.

In a small bowl, mix together 1 teaspoon of the sugar substitute, the almond extract, and the cinnamon; sprinkle over the peaches, and set aside.

 In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and the remaining 1½ tablespoons of sugar substitute; mix well.

Add the oil, egg substitute, and milk to the dry ingredients; mix until smooth. Spread evenly  over the peaches, and bake for 25–30 minutes or until the top is golden brown. Remove

from the oven, invert onto a serving plate, and serve.

PER SERVING: Choices/Exchanges: ½ Starch, ½ Fruit, 1½ Fat; Calories 150

(from Fat 70); Fat 8.0g (Saturated 0.6g, Trans 0.0g); Cholesterol 0mg;

Sodium 110mg; Potassium 230mg; Total Carbohydrate 18g (Dietary

Fiber 3g, Sugars 5g); Protein 5g; Phosphorus 220mg.

Make-Ahead Peach, Carrot, and Cabbage Slaw

Recipe adapted from Quick Diabetic Recipes.  

PREP TIME: ABOUT 10 MIN PLUS

CHILLING TIME

SERVINGS: 6 SERVING SIZE: APPROXIMATELY 1 CUP

INGREDIENTS

4 cups shredded cabbage

(green or purple, or a mixture)

2 cups shredded carrots

¾ cup diced fresh peaches

¾ cup sliced scallions

2⁄3 cup cider vinegar

1½ teaspoons paprika

1 teaspoon mustard seeds

½ teaspoon garlic powder

½ teaspoon celery seeds

1⁄8 teaspoon freshly ground

black pepper

1 tablespoon dry mustard

DIRECTIONS

In a large bowl, combine the cabbage, carrots, peaches, and scallions.

In a blender, combine the remaining ingredients. Pour over the cabbage mixture, and toss to coat. Refrigerate overnight, and serve chilled.

VARY IT! Grated red beets are a wonderful substitution for cabbage in this salad.

PER SERVING: Choices/Exchanges 2 Nonstarchy Vegetable; Calories 60

(from Fat 10); Fat 1g (Saturated 0.1g, Trans 0.0g); Cholesterol 0mg;

Sodium 35mg; Potassium 290mg; Total Carbohydrate 11g (Dietary Fiber

3g, Sugars 7g); Protein 2g; Phosphorus 45mg.

Fiery Peach and Black Bean Salad

Recipe adapted from Quick Diabetic Recipes

INGREDIENTS

3 cups cooked black beans

2 peaches, chopped

2 red bell peppers, finely

chopped

1 cup yellow corn

3 garlic cloves, minced

1 jalapeño pepper, minced

¼ cup fresh lime juice

2 tablespoons red wine vinegar

1 tablespoon cumin

1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil

2 tablespoons freshly chopped

cilantro (optional)

DIRECTIONS

Combine all ingredients in a bowl, and chill in the refrigerator

for several hours to blend the flavors. Serve.

VARY IT! Use chickpeas instead of black beans if desired. Try adding grilled chicken or pork to this spicy salad.

TIP: Since this salad should be made ahead of time, it’s perfect for entertaining.

PER SERVING: Choices/Exchanges 1 Starch, 1 Nonstarchy Vegetable, 1 Lean

Protein; Calories 140 (from Fat 20); Fat 2.5g (Saturated 0.4g, Trans 0.0g);

Cholesterol 0mg; Sodium 5mg; Potassium 480mg; Total Carbohydrate 24g

(Dietary Fiber 7g, Sugars 5g); Protein 7g; Phosphorus 130mg.

Sparkling Peach Bellini

This classic Italian cocktail originated at Harry’s Bar in Venice.

INGREDIENTS

1 cup fresh peach slices or frozen peaches 

1 cup Prosecco

1/3 cup water

Sugar, if needed, to taste

DIRECTIONS

Put ingredients in a blender and blend until completely smooth. Salute!