Pick a Peck of Pleasin' Peaches

During the dog days of summer, nothing beats the heat like the taste of a plump, juicy peach. Sliced, diced, or even straight from the tree, peaches are lip-smackin’ good. But their fantastic flavor isn’t just what all the fuzz is about—they’re good for you, too!

Peaches are packed with cancer-fighting antioxidants as well as vitamins A and C. Vitamin A is vital for vision and protects against infection. It also battles free radicals— the bad guys that may eventually cause cancer and heart disease. Vitamin C boosts your immune system, helps to heal cuts and wounds, and even keeps your gums healthy.

And that’s not all that peaches have to offer. They’re low in calories (about 60 each) and contain no sodium or cholesterol, and they’re delicious in pies, muffins, cakes, and other desserts. Here’s a heart-healthy recipe for Perfect Peach Crumble that’s sure to please:
 

Ingredients:

·         8 ripe peaches, peeled, pitted and sliced

·         Juice from 1 large lemon

·         1/3 tsp. ground cinnamon

·         1/4 tsp. ground nutmeg

·         1/2 cup whole wheat flour

·         1/4 cup packed dark brown sugar

·         2 tbsp. margarine, cut into thin slices

·         1/4 cup quick cooking oats

Lightly coat a 9-inch pie plate with cooking spray. Arrange peach slices in the pie plate, and sprinkle with lemon juice, cinnamon, and nutmeg. In a small bowl, whisk together flour and brown sugar. With your fingers, crumble the margarine into the flour-sugar mixture. Add the oats and stir to mix evenly, then sprinkle the flour mixture on top of the peaches. Bake at 375 until peaches are soft and the topping is browned—about 30 minutes. Cut into 8 even slices and serve warm. Yum!