Sweetness of Summer

I love summer fruit!  Especially stone fruit...the peaches, nectarines, plums, apricots, cherries... Something I especially miss from Southern CA is the fruit, and you really cannot beat a California Peach ( sorry Georgia!). Lucky for us, the peaches I have found in the markets this summer have been amazing!  Aside from eating them straight up, I try to include them as many ways that I can in my menus while they are around.  I am currently loving them in an Arugula salad w/ Fennel, Pistachios and Feta tossed in a White Balsamic Vinaigrette.  Another recent favorite is Peach Salsa Cucumber Canapés, which is a wonderfully refreshing hors douvres.  It, also, turns out this salsa is great on grilled meat and fish, topping a quesadilla w/ sliced avocado, or as a condiment on a cheese board.  Make a big batch and try it on everything!

Peach Salsa Cucumber Canapés

• 2 ripe peaches, peeled or not, cut into 1/2 inch dice

• 1/2 lemon, juiced

• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh herbs, mint, cilantro, basil or a combo

• 1 teaspoon honey

• 1/2 tablespoon Extra Virgin Olive Oil

• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt

• pinch if cayenne ( optional)

• 1 cucumber, peeled if waxed, and sliced 1/4 inch slices

Combine all ingredients in a medium bowl and mix to combine.  Taste for seasoning.  Spoon a small amount onto cucumber rounds.  Top with more herbs, goat cheese, prosciutto or just plain. Serve!

Alternately, use as a topping for grilled chicken, salmon, flank steak...