Fresh Georgia Peaches
Growing up, we lived within a few miles of three major peach farms, so needless to say, peaches were never in short supply at our house. Whether it was homemade peach ice cream churning by the pool or fresh peach daiquiris my mom served to her friends stopping by for a visit, there was always something delicious to be found made with our local crop.
Naturally, my summer jobs involved peaches. My brother, sister, and I spent several summers selling peaches at the end of our driveway to folks traveling down highway 96. Our dad had a plywood peach stand built and his good friend, Mr. Edward, supplied the peaches from his farm, Wainwright Farms (now Taylor Orchards) that was just a few miles away. They had peach trees all around our house and our stand sat right in the middle of them.
At the age of 15 I got a job at a packing shed in a neighboring town, Lane Packing Company. I sold peaches, fresh produce, and homemade peach ice cream to tourist passing through. Summers were hot, but the job was always entertaining, especially when I had to explain to the Northerners traveling to Florida exactly what boiled peanuts were.
On a recent trip back down to Fort Valley, I visited with the Lane family and taught a cooking class at the Peach Festival on what else? Peaches! The recipes were a hit, especially the Bourbon Peach Bread Pudding. Peach season ends in mid August so now is the time to stock up on peaches and freeze some for the winter if you haven’t already. If local peaches are not available in your area then order some on line so you can enjoy my bread pudding one cool night this fall!
Taylor Orchards www.taylororchards.com
Lane Southern Orchards www.lanesouthernorchards.com
Pearson Farm www.pearsonfarm.com
PEACH RECIPES:
ARCHIVES '12
ARCHIVES '11
ARCHIVES '10
ARCHIVES '09
