Peaches

Peach Freezer Jam (This stuff is AWESOME!)

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This fruit spread-style peach jam can be made with no sugar at all, but we use 1 cup sugar for just a touch of sweetness (up to 3 cups sugar can be used for a sweeter jam). From EatingWell:  July/August 2008

• 2 pounds ripe peaches, pitted and quartered (5-6 peaches)
• 1 3/4 cups unsweetened white grape or apple juice
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly grated lemon zest
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 1.75-ounce package “no sugar needed” fruit pectin, (see Tip)
• 1-3 cups sugar

1. Coarsely chop peaches in a food processor. Measure out 3 cups. (Reserve the rest for another use, such as a smoothie.)
2. Place white grape (or apple) juice, lemon zest and juice in a large saucepan. Gradually stir in pectin; continue stirring until completely dissolved. Place over medium-high heat and bring to a full rolling boil (a boil that cannot be “stirred down”), stirring frequently. Boil hard for 1 minute. Remove from the heat.
3. Immediately stir in the chopped peaches. Stir vigorously for 1 minute. Stir in sugar to taste until dissolved.
4. Divide the jam among six 8-ounce canning jars, leaving at least 1/2 inch of space between the top of the jam and the top of the jar (this space allows the jam to expand as it freezes). Cover with lids and let the jam stand at room temperature until set, about 24 hours. Store in refrigerator or freezer until ready to use.

• Tip: “No sugar needed” pectin cannot be used interchangeably with regular pectin.
• Variations: This recipe can be adapted to make other fruit jams. Substitute 3 cups chopped or crushed fruit of your choice for the peaches and follow Steps 2 through 4. Cranberry-raspberry juice can be used instead of apple or white grape juice. Omit lemon zest and lemon juice if desired. Here's the amount of fruit you'll need to start with to get 3 cups chopped or crushed:
• Blueberries: about 2 pounds or 2 1/2 pints; remove any stems, crush with a potato masher
• Cherries, sweet or sour: about 2 1/4 pounds; remove stems and pits, finely chop
• Raspberries: about 2 pounds or five 6-ounce containers; crush with a potato masher
• Strawberries: about 3 pounds; hull and crush with a potato masher
• Variations provided by Jarden Home Brands. For more information on preserving and more jam recipes visit freshpreserving.com.

Grilled Peaches with Vanilla Ice Cream
From Sunset
This super-simple grilled peaches recipe has only five ingredients, making it perfect for last-minute summer entertaining.

2 tablespoons light brown sugar

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

4 fresh peaches

grapeseed oil (or vegetable oil)

vanilla ice cream

In a small bowl, combine brown sugar and cinnamon. Cut peaches along the seam all the way around and twist halves off the pit. Brush cut sides with grapeseed oil or vegetable oil. Cook, cut side down, on a hot grill until fruit has grill marks, 3 to 4 minutes. Brush tops with oil, turn over, and move to indirect heat. Sprinkle cut sides with cinnamon sugar. Cover grill and cook until sugar is melted and fruit is tender, 10 to 15 minutes. Serve with vanilla ice cream (sprinkle on extra cinnamon sugar if you like).