Image: She Knows

We’ve become peach combers in my house, this summer, sharing slices of the sensuous summer fruit during movies or games instead of the usual cookies and candy. The kids are fighting over fruit? You got the last slice! No, you did! Hey, how did we go right?

Fresh peaches just smell like summer, and I have vivid memories of my parents placing a slice into each glass of red wine they served at their Italian dinner parties during those warm August nights in L.A.

While the round fuzzy fruit is  delicious in the organic, pure form, you can also add them to a variety of tantalizing recipes for family and guests. Here is a bushel-full to get you into the grove!

Healthy Oat Peach Muffins are a great choice for breakfast or as a snack with quick oats, oat bran, walnuts and organic cream cheese folded into the mix. I’m always sifting through muffin recipes to make with my daughters, and this one, from She Knows, is a winner. A few fair-trade, dark chocolate chips can also be a welcomed addition.

Peach Sabayon with Balsamic peaches has received rave reviews from the readers of Epicurious. Sabayon is the French name for Zabaglione, an Italian custard dessert made with egg yolks, sugar, a sweet wine and sometimes cream, mascarpone, or whole eggs. The easy-to-follow recipe calls for balsamic vinegar, dry white wine and peach brandy to add that zing to the organic peaches and egg yolks. Whip up a batch for your next al fresco gathering.

Image: Romulo Yanes

Summer Peach Pie a la mode is a huge seasonal favorite when found on summer restaurant menus. You can make your own with this fruity recipe from Bon Appetit which calls for unbleached flour (I switch it with oat) and ground cardamom for aromatic punch.

Image: Bon Appetit

Peachy Summer Smoothies are easy to blend and serve at parties (spike to taste) or leave them as virgin pick-me-ups. Two recipes from The Nibble: Raspberry Peach Lemonade Smoothie and Mango Peach Smoothie are both healthy, vitamin and protein-enriched tropical delights. I say the peachy part is what makes them so keen!

Image: The Nibble

Peach Chutney is an excellent condiment to use sparingly for spicing a meal. I’ve heard chutney called “the perfect dance partner for food” and this recipe from All Recipes merited five gold stars from the foodies who followed it. Another tasty recipe for this low-fat relish can be plucked at Taste of Home.