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There’s nothing quite like taking that first bite into a ripe peach during the hot summer months. And it’s a food that we can (thankfully) not feel guilty about enjoying! Peaches are part of the stone fruit family, and they’ve been known to help fight off diseases like diabetes and cardiovascular disease. One study found that stone fruits have anti-inflammatory properties that can also lower cholesterol. Plus, peaches are chocked full of vitamin C, fiber, choline content and fiber, which all come together to support better heart health. Whoever said an apple a day keeps the doctor away clearly never tried a fresh peach.

So let’s get the most out of these heart-healthy summer treats with a few recipes, right?

Peach Carrot Smoothie

Simplicity is the name of the game for this summertime sipper. The fewer ingredients, the more you can focus on that delightful peachy flavor. 

Ingredients:

• 2 cup peach slices
• 1 cup baby carrots
• 1 frozen banana
• 2 tablespoons Greek yogurt (optional)
• 1 cup coconut water
• 1 tablespoon honey (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a blender, combine all ingredients together and blend until smooth. Blend for about 30 seconds.
2. If you prefer, strain the smoothie to make it even smoother.

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Grilled Peaches

Once again, this recipe highlights the peaches themselves with an added dollop of something sweet.

Ingredients:

• 2 large ripe fresh peaches, halved and pitted
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 5 teaspoons pure maple syrup, divided
• 3 tablespoons vanilla whole-milk Greek yogurt
• 1 tablespoon mascarpone cheese, at room temperature
• 1 tablespoon small fresh mint leaves

Instructions:

1. Preheat grill to medium-high (400° F to 450° F) or heat a grill pan over medium-high.
2. Brush both sides of peach halves with olive oil.
3. Place peach halves on oiled grates, cut side down, and grill, uncovered, until grill marks appear, about one minute.
4. Flip peaches, brush one teaspoon of the maple syrup on cut side of each peach half and grill until tender throughout, about one more minute.
5. Stir together yogurt, mascarpone and remaining teaspoon of maple syrup in a small bowl.
6. Serve peaches warm or at room temperature, topped with the mascarpone mixture and mint.

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Sparkling Peach Sangria

Here’s a refreshing peach-inspired cocktail to cool you down during those extra hot days. (Only for those 21+ folks.)

Ingredients:

• 1 cup water
• 1/3 cup packed brown sugar
• 3 large ripe peaches
• 2 1/2 cups tart white wine
• 1/3 cup Grand Marnier
• 1 bottle (750 milliliters) chilled cava or other sparkling wine
• Peach slices for garnish

Instructions:

1. Combine water and brown sugar in a microwave-safe dish.
2. Microwave on high for 3 1/2 minutes.
3. Stir to dissolve sugar and let cool.
4. Peel and pit peaches.
5. Combine sugar syrup and peeled peaches in a food processor. Process until smooth.
6. Pour peach mixture into a pitcher. Stir in white wine and Grand Marnier.
7. Chill at least four hours. Strain the mixture through a cheesecloth-lined sieve.
8. Squeeze the cloth to extract juices and discard solids.
9. Stir in cava.
10. Garnish with peach slices.

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Fresh Peach Salsa

Get your tortilla chips ready because this salsa is going to satiate your savory and spicy cravings all in one scoop.

Ingredients:

• 3 1/2 cups peaches, diced and peeled (about 2 1/2 pounds)
• 1/4 cup red onions, diced
• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon jalapeno pepper, minced and seeded
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1 garlic clove, minced

Instructions:

1. Combine all ingredients in a bowl.
2. Stir well.
3. Cover and chill.
4. Serve!

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Habanero-Peach-Honey Mustard

In the mood for something sweet and spicy? This mustard will get the job done — plus it goes well on almost any sandwich or cracker.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup brown mustard seeds
• 1/2 cup yellow mustard seeds
• 1/2 cup black mustard seeds
• 1 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1 cup of your favorite pale ale beer
• 3 habanero peppers, chopped
• 1 large peach, peeled, pitted and chopped
• 3 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons water
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Add mustard seeds with vinegar and beer to a large mixing bowl. Mix well. Pour into a large jar and seal.
2. Set the jar in a dry place overnight to let the seeds absorb the liquid for at least 12 hours. You will notice the seeds grow larger, but the mixture still looks like mustard seeds floating in liquid.
3. Add habanero peppers, chopped peach, honey, salt and water to a small pot. Heat to medium-low and cook until mixture is softened, about 10 minutes.
4. Add to a food processor and process until smooth.
5. Add the mustard mixture and process to your personal tastes. You can process only a little to keep most of the seeds, or go to town and really mix it together.
6. Set the mustard into a sterilized jar and serve! The flavors will keep developing as time goes by.

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Clearly, there’s no wrong way to enjoy a peach — so get at it and start making some delicious memories! Do you have your own peach-inspired recipes to share? Let us know in the comments.