Fresh Peach and Basil Oat Crumbles

I was hoping my peach tree would be producing beautiful, sweet and juicy fruits for us this year, but it is not to be. While it’s still alive and…maybe well, the ground squirrels will not allow the young fruit to grow without hoarding it for themselves. I love animals and most furry critters and really do believe we can co-exist peacefully. However, some of the creatures around here can really try a person’s patience.

I picked up some beautiful peaches at the market. Such a lovely color and fragrance from this quintessential summer stone fruit. Before I started snacking or cut into them, they went through a photoshoot.   Later that evening when I was reviewing the images taken earlier of these photogenic gems, my heart skipped a beat. Although I could feel the fuzz on the peaches and KNOW I purchased peaches, my images looked like they were nectarines. Self-doubt struck me and I had to do a double take of the peaches sitting on the kitchen counter to confirm…are these peaches or nectarines? They smell and look like peaches with little evidence of fuzz, but fuzz nonetheless. I’ve read that peaches have been altered over the years to reduce the peach fuzz on them because the more fuzz on them, the less successful they are in the markets. Apparently consumers don’t favor very fuzzy peaches. How disappointing, in a sense, that a beautiful characteristic of the fruit is being genetically engineered out.

During these warm and beautiful summer evenings, you might be inclined to favor a savory-type treat making use of seasonal produce goods. This is an elegant dessert that borders between sweet or savory. The hint of basil in combination with the sweet peaches makes for a more sophisticated treat. I’ve added some old-fashion oats to the original recipe for more texture and healthfulness.

Enjoy this combination of sweet-n-savory flavors from the peaches and basil, for breakfast, snack or an evening serving. It may even pair well with a light dessert wine.

Be sure to check out my post for Peach and Pistachio Cobbler from last year. It’s a gorgeous and sweet peachy dessert adorned with the delicate flavor of pistachios.

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On another note, I’ve been working with and reviewing a new kitchen appliance…one that is making my current food processor pale by comparison. The Magimix Cuisine Systeme 4200…in some of my next posts, I’ll be sharing what this workhorse of a food processor can do (it even has a dough bowl kit!).