Photo provided by Wendy Perry- www.WendysHomeEconomics.com.
Summertime may be winding down but there’s still time to enjoy juicy and delicious NC peaches. August is National Peach Month and a great time to find creative ways to use peaches while they are still available. Below is a recipe by Wendy Perry, a North Carolina food blogger and culinary adventurist, that incorporates peaches with another summertime staple – grilling out. Wendy suggest pairing these peaches with North Carolina pork or chicken – made using your favorite NC BBQ sauce. “Little ones and adults alike will love these peaches,” Perry said. “Folks will think you made a fuss over them, when you actually threw this together in just a few minutes.”
North Carolina is home to more than 1,200 acres of peaches. In 2015, growers produced 5,290 tons of the fruit. More information about the state’s peach industry is available from the department’s website and www.NCPeachGrowers.com.
Savory BBQed Honey-Rosemary Grilled NC Peaches
- 8 North Carolina peaches, ripe but not too soft, halved and pit removed
- 1/2 cup Bone Suckin Sauce (or your favorite thick tomato-based sauce)
- 3 tablespoons local honey
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- 2 teaspoons minced fresh rosemary, plus sprigs for garnish (or 1 teaspoon dried)
Heat grill to medium hot. When ready to cook the peaches, oil the grill grate.Whisk all ingredients together until well blended. Brush cut side of peaches with the sauce and place, cut side down, on hot oiled grates. Cook for 6-8 minutes. (Take a peek before turning to make sure they are starting to char.) Brush uncut side and turn to cook 2-3 minutes. Exact cooking time will vary a little depending on how hot your fire is and how close grates are to the coals so watch closely. You want just a light char/caramelization for a rich roasted flavor. Remove to serving platter and brush with additional sauce. Garnish with fresh rosemary.
Serving Suggestion: The recipe will make more sauce than you need for only 8 peaches. Refrigerate to use another day, or, use to sauce grilled pork or chicken to serve with the grilled peaches!
For more delicious recipes by Wendy visit her blog,www.WendysHomeEconomics.com