Peach-filled pies, pastries, and desserts are always delicious, but they taste equally good, if not better, when cooked with chicken or seafood.
Peaches are rich in potassium, vitamin C and A. They have diuretic and laxative properties, aid in the stimulation of digestive juices.There are two types of peaches ? freestone and clingstone. As the name suggests, the freestone is easily separated from the pit of the fruit. They are sweet and firm, being ideal for baking. The clingstone varieties usually leave flesh attached to the pit. The flesh is yellow, with bright red touches closest to the stone. They are softer, juicier and sweeter being perfect for desserts, jellies and jams
Quick tips:
When buying peaches, look for bright, well rounded ones.
When ripe, the fruit should yield to gentle pressure and have a sweet fragrance.
Store them unwashed and at room temperature. When placed in a paper bag they ripen faster.
Do not refrigerate for more than a couple of days.
Before using peaches, wash them in cool water and dry with a soft cloth to remove the fuzz.
To peel peaches easily, dip them into boiling water for 30-60 seconds. Put into cold water to cool. Then, using a sharp paring knife, peel off the skin
To prevent darkening of the flesh, dip the pieces in lemon juice.
For sweet dishes, you may use pineapple or orange juice rather than the tart lemon or lime juice.
Chicken with peaches
Ingredients: Sunflower oil for frying; 1/2 cup flour mixed with salt and pepper; 6 pieces chicken; 1 cup orange juice; 11/2 cups sliced peaches, fresh or canned; 2 tbs brown sugar; 2 tbs vinegar; 1 tsp nutmeg; 1 tsp sweet basil; 2 cloves minced garlic
Method: Put the oil in a non-stick pan. Coat the chicken pieces in seasoned flour and brown the chicken. While it is cooking, combine orange juice and peaches with brown sugar, vinegar, mace or nutmeg, sweet basil and minced garlic and simmer for 10 minutes. Remove chicken when it is browned and remove the oil. Place the chicken back in the pan and pour the fruit sauce over it. Cover and simmer for about 20 minutes. Serve immediately.
