Like we mentioned the other day, it has been pretty darn busy around here. Projects projects projects. Lots and lots of painting, and many hours in the studio. It seems our only breaks are for watching Breaking Bad, cooking dinner, and daily phone calls to our moms. ha!
And it's killing us that these design projects aren't being shared with you guys here on the blog. Trust us, we really want to show you what we're up to! But unfortunately nothing is really at a shareable stage yet...or maybe we should say that a premature unveiling just wouldn't be prudent. : ( So in lieu of studio sneak peeks...we've got some tantalizing glimpses of what's been going on in the kitchen.
One of our favorite ways to spoil ourselves and our tastebuds in the summertime is with grilled peaches. They are nothing less than heavenly explosions of sweetness...and depending on what you pair them with, they can go in so many directions. We've made them with a savory balsamic glaze, and we've made them with some kick, as well as simply with a light brushing of olive oil and a smidge of sea salt and cracked pepper.
Several days ago we bought a whole bunch of peaches in anticipation of a future night of grilling magic. So the other evening we regarded our waiting bowl of peaches, and when a gentle squeeze indicated Perfect Ripeness, we swiftly fled from the studio and got all sorts of Peachy in the kitchen! The first recipe that we got started on involved coconut and panko crusted chicken fingers. The chicken was great...and we knew it would be since we started it off by first letting it sit in coconut milk for a few hours. The fingers were baked, not fried. Super yummy, crunchy, tender...And here's where the peaches came into play. A homemade Peach Honey Mustard dipping sauce! It was so quick and easy to make. And seriously...once we tasted it, we both looked at each other and said..."how could you ever have honey mustard ever again without peach?" Like, where have you been all our lives?!
Peach Honey Mustard
it couldn't be easier...
Here is what you will need:
1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup dijon mustard
1 ripe peach peeled and chopped
In a food processor or blender combine your chopped peaches, honey, and mustard. Blend till smooth! That is it! Seriously...wait till you try it! We had some left over and used it in a wrap the next day for lunch! yum! Of course you can double this recipe so that you've got some to keep in the fridge! Put it on anything and everything.
And ohhh man...Peach Party Part Two...this salad! It's like fancy and casual all at once! Here you are at home grilling and relaxing...but then you sit down to this salad and all of the sudden you feel underdressed. Like, somebody just pulled out the fancy linen tablecloth and now you're wondering if you're using the correct fork!
But worry not...you are home...in paint spattered jeans...and it is you who has crafted this fancy schmancy spread. And with the fresh mozzarella and delectable peaches, it eats like comfort food.
Here is what you will need:
6 peaches cut in half with pits removed
salt & pepper
olive oil or olive oil mist
4 large handfuls of Arugula, washed and dried
1 small red onion slivered
6 oz fresh mozzarella cut into bite sized pieces (ours had basil in it!)
4 tablespoons white balsamic vinegar (rice wine vinegar will work too)
2 teaspoons honey
2 teaspoons dijon mustard
2 tablespoons finely chopped or minced chives
1/3 cup olive oil
2 tablespoons creme fraiche or heavy cream
First, get your grill going....or you can use a grill pan...medium to high heat. Brush or mist your peaches on both sides with olive oil. Sprinkle a bit of salt & pepper on cut sides. lay your peaches face down first, and grill till tender and slightly charred. flip and repeat.
Now to make your salad dressing. In a medium bowl, whisk together your vinegar, honey, mustard, and chives. While whisking, slowly drizzle in your olive oil. When emulsified, whisk in your creme fraiche (or heavy cream).
Now in a large bowl toss together your Arugula, onions, and some of your dressing. Serve on a platter or individual plates. First plate your arugula and onion mixture, then top with grilled peaches, the fresh mozzarella, and then drizzle with some more dressing. Season with fresh cracked pepper.
Seriously...you will be in peach heaven. What a fantastic recipe duo.
So, if you're looking to try something different, and you can get your hands on some perfectly ripe peaches...then by all means, get the Peach Party started. Get that grill going! Or you can even keep it real simple and just whip up one of the yummiest dipping sauces ever!
After we ate we knew it would be a crime not to share the experience with you guys. Definitely let us know if you give these a try...and be sure to tip us off to your own special peach recipes!
xo Jenny & Aaron
*adapted from Farmhouse Table