Peach Gelato Today

photo credit: askchefdennis.com

July is National Ice Cream Month providing fans of frozen dessert more justification to indulge during the summer heat. More specifically today, Thursday, July 17, 2014 is National Peach Ice Cream Day.  Peaches provide a copious amount of festivals for patrons to gather and share the multiple recipes associated with the fruit’s peak season, and to celebrate how darn delectable peaches truly are.  Beyond the adaptation of peaches in recipes, combinations pairing the fruit with spicy meats, teas, ideal canning and peach pies there is simplicity. Better even, peach farmers and market regulars in Macon, GA agree there is nothing like a bowl of peach ice cream after a day spent picking the fruit out in a hot field.

A few easy ways to enjoy peaches in frozen dessert form be it from a glass, bowl, or as a novelty. The supreme recommended cool down that incorporates peaches into a refreshing frozen beverage is The Blood Orange Peach Soda Float.  In the infamous Bellini, an Italian prosecco beverage,  the white peach puree beautifully defines the elite cocktail… adding mini scoops of peach sorbetto and vanilla gelato make for a drink perfect for consuming today. Drink up some peach! Peaches as an amazing (and quick) summer dessert staple = grilled peaches, served on top of a bowl of vanilla gelato with a drizzle of caramel. The sugars in the fruit create a crisp sweet layer after being grilled, adding the heightened peach flavor along with a light crunch to a household favorite.  No need to move to the country, plentiful ways to ‘eat a lot of peaches…’ this summer regardless of any metropolitan or suburbia locale status. Unarguably, the peach roadside farmer's market has got the best plan!

Peach gelato sandwiches are a lighthearted treat. Enjoy!

Peach gelato sandwich recipe

Makes 8 sandwiches

32 oz peach gelato

16 macadamia nut shortbread cookies, recipe from Southern Living

or feel free to use a favorite similar recipe of your own.

Plastic wrap

Paper wrap

Place two 2 oz scoops of peach gelato on one cookie (bottom of sandwich), top with second cookie. Wrap sandwich in plastic wrap and place in freezer. Repeat this process until all 8 sandwiches are assembled.  When ready to eat and serve remove sandwiches individually from freezer and unwrap from plastic wrap. Using the paper wrap, cover each peach gelato sandwich halfway up with paper to prevent melting.

What is your favorite peach recipe? Share with us this National Peach Ice Cream Day!

photo credit: chefsherry.com 

Espresso and Pastry with Gelato, a Good Time for All!

Recent rumor mills have been spilling about the end of coffee, as in finito, in our lifetime.  The claim is that the wild Arabica plant will no longer be able to grow and produce coffee beans. No need to engage in a swirling pool of environmental studies, rest assured that morning cup of coffee is still secure. For the purpose and soul of coffee lovers this shall provide proper celebration with pastries, gelato, and that oh so adored beverage, espresso.  The groups that will find the end of coffee preposterous get the buzz on here!

Espresso

Affogado

In most coffee shops in America the Italian coffee lingo that flies around and has become everyday talk for the repeat customer, most of those fancy words for drinks begin in the original form of espresso.  Italian born and created by forcing a small amount of water through finely ground coffee beans gained popularity with the rise of urbanization in Italy thus becoming a key in socialization that still holds its magic today. Many creations have presented themselves since the beginning but there are a few true ways to revel in espresso. Enjoy an Affogato, Italian espresso that is poured over gelato drowning it with glory.  This frozen beverage can be served alone any time of the day or with pastries after dinner. Another wonderful pairing with espresso is Biscotti, Italian cookie like pastries that are baked twice to pull out moisture have sweet, dry, crumbly attributes and are flavored in many ways with spices, fruits, and nuts.  Typically the biscotti are dipped into an espresso beverage to soften for eating.  

Sfogliatelle

The pastry possibilities that can be accompanied by a warm espresso drink and cold scoop of gelato are numerous.  With fall flavors at their peak and holiday entertainment commencing it is a treat to introduce espresso and pastry and gelato to enhance the social atmosphere of any household party.  Along with customized biscotti, and Affogato, serve Sfogliatelle, Italian pastries from the province of Salerno with a layered texture in the shape of a shell use an orange-flavored ricotta filling and serve with orange peel aside espresso.   

Another way to enjoy pastry and gelato is this sophisticated take on an “ice-cream sandwich” with using Pizzelle, a waffle-like cookie that varies between crisp and crunchy or soft and chewy. A pizzelle iron is used in cooking the dessert, giving it a characteristic snowflake pattern. Serve a sandwich with gelato between two of the pizzelle and drizzle with a topping sauce such as caramel infused with anise flavored liqueur. The kid within is sure to come out while enjoying this twist on a dessert treasure in the most sophisticated of manners.

 While hosting serve or display espresso, pastry, and gelato and watch how coffee can bind people together giving credence to the socialization aspect. Certainly when served with delicious Italian desserts there will be a smiling crowd present.