Peach Pudding

A friend brought me some peaches that needed to be used within a couple days so I came up with an idea.  I love Banana Pudding and I love Peaches and Cream so why not make Peach Pudding.  I used my regular Banana Pudding recipe (the kind you cook from scratch) but instead of using bananas I used peaches.  OMGoodness!  This is so good.  It isn't too sweet and you get the slight tartness from the peaches.  I did make one mistake, that wasn't really a mistake but something I would change the next time I make this.  I didn't cook my pudding quite long enough.  It turned out just a little thin and due to this the vanilla wafers softened but their softening they thickened the pudding.  Even so, this dish is delicious.  Now I want to make Strawberry Pudding!  And maybe Pineapple Pudding!  And maybe Cherry Pudding!  Need I add more?

BBQ 101

BBQ 101

It's BBQ time so when I ran across these tips I decided to share. (From May 2012 - dashrecipes.com)

Chicken

Grill boneless, skinless breasts for 8-12 minutes on direct medium heat, covered, turning once.  Drumsticks or bone-in thighs take 36-40 minutes (6-10 minutes on direct heat, plus 30 on indirect heat).  All chicken should be cooked to an internal temperature of 165 degrees F.

Tomatoes

Slice in half, then brush the cut sides with a little olive oil.  Grill for 6-8 minutes over direct medium heat, covered.  Grill whole tomatoes for 8-10 minutes, turning a few times.  Thread cherry tomatoes on skewers, brush with oil, and grill for 2-3 minutes turning once.

Corn on the Cob

Soak in water for 15 minutes, then remove the husk and silk, or leave the husk on (for moister corn) and remove the silk only from the tops of the ears.  Either way, grill ears over direct medium heat, covered - husked corn for 10-15 minutes and corn in the husk for 25-30 minutes.

Flank Steak

Grill a 3/4" steak weighing 1 1/2 - 2 lbs. for 8-10 minutes on direct medium heat, covered, turning once.  cook to a temperature of 145 degrees F for medium-rare, 160 degrees F for medium, or 170 degrees F for well-done.  Let steak rest 5-10 minutes before carving.  Be sure to slice very thin.

Hamburgers

Grilling time varies by thickness.  Make all of your patties the same size so you only have to check one for doneness.  In general, grill burgers for 8-10 minutes over direct high heat, covered, turning once.  All burgers should be cooked to 160 degrees F.

Peaches

Slice in half and remove the pit, then coat the cut side with a little olive oil or nonstick cooking spray.  Grill, cut side down, over direct medium heat for 8 minutes.  Drizzle with honey before serving.  Grilled peaches will keep at room temperature for up to 2 hours.

Pineapple

Cut into 1/2" thick slices or 1" thick wedges, then coat with a little olive oil or nonstick cooking spray.  Thread onto wooden skewers that have been soaked in water for 30 minutes.  Grill on direct medium heat, covered, for 4-8 minutes.  Drizzle with honey to serve.

Shrimp

Peel and devein the shrimp; you can leave the tails on or remove them.  Grill for 2-4 minutes on direct high heat, covered, turning once.  Cooking time depends on the size of the shrimp.  You want them to look opaque but not shriveled, a sign of overcooking.

Fruit and Your Health - Part 3 - Peaches

Information from Care2

*Peaches are the perfect snack food for losing weight.  They make you feel full and keep you from overeating.  The bonus is that one peach only contain about 35-50 calories and no fat.

*They fight obesity-related diabetes and cardiovascular disease.  They are rich in phytochemicals called phenols that act as antioxidants.

*Keep the skin healthy.  Vitamin A and C make peaches a great natural moisturizer and are often used in cosmetics.  These vitamins can help regenerate skin tissue.

*Reduce hair loss with its positive effect on the scalp.

*Are a healthy stress-reliever that helps reduce anxiety.  Peaches are often referred to as the 'fruit of calmness' in Hungary.

*They help prevent cancer with selenium - a mineral with antioxidant properties that may help protect cells from damage.

*Peaches can help remove worms from the intestines.

*They have a diuretic effect which help scleanse your kidneys and bladder.

*They calm an upset stomach.

*Are believed to help reduce the oxidation of bad LDL cholesterol which is associated with cardiovascular disease.

*Those suffering with gout and rheumatism are recommended by dieticians to eat peaches because they tend to have a diuretic and a light laxative effect.

*They are thought to be an aphrodisiac.

*They inhibit tumor growth activity.  Peaches have excellent antimicrobial and antioxidant activity according to research.

*Chronic bronchitis, coughs and gastritis are relieved with the medicinal tea of the leaves and bark of peach trees.

*Peach tea is used as a kidney cleanser in China

What Medical Daily has to say about Peaches:

Vitamins - The main punch a peach packs is vitamins.  Specifically, a peach boasts 10 different kinds: A, C, E, K and six of the B complex vitamins, Vitamin A and beta carotene helps to achieve optimal vision, while Vitamin C is an antioxidant that is helpful to your immune system.  Although peaches provide lower levels of vitamins E and K, they reside in significant quantities within the peach.  Vitamin E is another antioxidant, while vitamin K is essential to your blood clotting capabilities.  Peaches are also a source of thiamin, riboflavin, vitamin B-6, niacin, folate, and pantothenic acid, all valuable nutrients when it comes to your cells and nerves.

Fiber - Another important benefit associated with peaches is dietary fiber.  According to U.s. Department of Agriculture's recommendations, an adult woman should try to consume 25 grams and an adult man 38 grams of fiber each day; a peach offers three grams.  Essential to easy digestion, fiber prevents constipation and bloating while contributing to colon health.  Fiber may also pay a role in regulating cholesterol levels and so helps to reduce the risk of heart disease.

Potassium - Unfortunately, we consume many toxins every day with each bite of our daily meals, harming our kidneys.  Peaches contain high amounts of potassium, which can reduce kidney-related diseases while lessening the risk of ulcers.  Peaches also provide some magnesium, phosphorus, zinc, copper, manganese, iron and calcium.  These additional minerals protect and support your red blood cells, nervous system, and bones