We have been enjoying some delicious peaches this summer in spite of the heat and drought. Nutritionally, a large peach only has 68 calories, no fat and no cholesterol. They are sweet enough to take the place of dessert any time.
One of our favorite ways to use fresh peaches is in homemade peach ice cream. Calorically, it’s a splurge, but the season is too short not to splurge on occasion. At least that’s my story, and I’m definitely sticking to it and enjoying another bowl of homemade peach ice cream before it’s gone for the year.
Homemade Peach Ice Cream
Makes about 1 quart
4 – 5 large peaches, peeled and cut into 1- inch chunks
1/2 cup water or peach nectar
1/4 cups sugar
1/2 cup sour cream (or thickened Greek yogurt)
1 cup heavy cream
1/4 teaspoon vanilla
1/4 teaspoon almond extract, optional
1/2 teaspoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 large peach, peeled and cut into a large dice, reserved
Cook the peach chunks with the water in a medium saucepan over medium heat, covered. Allow them to cook until softened, stirring occasionally, about 10 minutes.
Remove the peach and water mixture from the heat and stir in the sugar. Cool to room temperature.
Puree the cooked peach, sugar and water mixture in a food processor or blender along with the sour cream, heavy cream, vanilla, almond extract, and lemon juice, allowing it to remain somewhat chunky.
Chill the ice cream mixture thoroughly in the refrigerator. Freeze in an ice cream maker according to the manufacturer’s directions. Stir in the reserved diced peaches after the ice cream is made and before placing it in the refrigerator freezer to harden.
Adapted from The Perfect Scoop by David Lebovitz
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Hubby’s family hails from the Hartman – Clarksville area of Johnson County, AR. Peaches were for many, many years the main crop of most of the families in the region. Sadly, today, many of those old orchards are long gone.
The Johnson County Peach Festival, held the third week of July each year, is the oldest festival in the State of Arkansas having its beginning in 1938. Princess Elberta, Miss Arkansas Valley’s Outstanding Teen, Miss Arkansas Valley and Queen Elberta pageants are all head during the week and draw many contestants. There’s always some sort of lively entertainment going on. Be sure to check it out next year and lend your support to an Arkansas tradition and its heritage.
I adore the Johnson County Peach festival! My mom is from Clarksville and my grandad still lives there. (His 95th birthday this weekend!) Peach Picking Paradise is a good orchard.