When the unmistakable aroma of fresh ripe peaches wafts by on a wave of refrigerated air from the produce department at the grocery store -- that may be the official start of summer for me. At the very least, it starts the strong pull of my summertime cravings for EVERYTHING peach! And with Independence Day just around the corner, these peach desserts and drink will be perfect for your holiday bash!

Hot, cold, in a milkshake, or in a cobbler, part of the allure for me is that fresh peaches are so versatile. They can be eaten on their own or added to a variety of dishes. In addition, peaches are nutritious and offer an array of health benefits, including improved digestion, smoother skin, and allergy relief. Peaches are also high in fiber, vitamins, and minerals. In addition, they contain beneficial plant compounds like antioxidants, which can help protect your body from aging and disease.

Peaches are widely available and can be eaten in a variety of ways. Enjoy them on their own or easily incorporate them into main dishes, sides, smoothies, or desserts, which is definitely my favorite way to serve and eat in-season peaches -- well...right after eating one whole...that’s my very favorite way to serve and eat in-season peaches! Or in ice cream...I can’t forget those days of turning the old ice cream maker, and like Tom Sawyer’s friends white-washing a fence, actually waiting in line for the honor of my turn to crank the ice cream for a while! I can’t choose a favorite. I like peaches however they come!

Our Bellisari’s Balsamic Glazed Peaches (https://bit.ly/3wWQ0vD) will be your new favorite summer dessert recipe! Honoring the fruit in all its glory, add just a few ingredients and some delicious vanilla bean ice cream and you’ll have the perfect summertime dessert on the table in no time flat! 

If you prefer a heartier dessert, Auntie B’s Blistered Peach Cobbler (https://bit.ly/3haEdDz) is right up your alley! This fresh peach cobbler comes with everything you expect in a good cobbler, along with a Bellisari’s twist. Give this easy recipe a try, and you’ll never make your old cobbler recipe again!

Another tasty way to use these in-season peaches is to add them to refreshing lemonade (https://bit.ly/3h3vXoJ). I found this recipe online; it’s fresh and delicious, and it’s super easy to make too! 

However you decide to sweeten up your 4th of July this year, we, at Bellisari’s, wish you a great one!