The weekend might be over, but summer certainly is not. Ninety degree weather always leaves me craving a fruity, summery drink more than anything else (except maybe ice cold water)! I picked an abundance of peaches last week, so I’ve been working through the load trying to use them in different ways. Although, we like to eat them as is, there are still more than we can keep up with! I decided to sprinkle and handful with sugar and roast them in the oven. This really brings out a deep, sweet flavor in the peaches. After roasting, simply peel off the skins and give them a quick whir in the blender. Voila! You have a puree you can add to your morning oatmeal, top your ice cream or add to your favorite summer drink!
My last blender recently broke and I’ve been using my immersion blender for everything. Well, those just don’t quite cut it for all of your blending needs. Since I received this Hamilton Beach blender, I’ve been whipping up tons of smoothies for the kids, fruit purees, milkshakes and even ice for summer drinks! This blender is very light weight, which made me hesitant about its durability at first, but so far so good. I keep my blender in a bottom cabinet too, so bonus that it is much easier to get in and out than my last one. I have never had one of those $500 blenders, because I just can’t bring myself to spend that kind of money on a blender. Plus, we don’t use a blender every day our house, so it just feels like it wouldn’t be worth the investment. This blender, however, can be picked up for less than $50! A much more palatable price, and it works for my needs. I have blended up a variety of different ingredients for smoothies and shakes, and even ice. So far I have been happy with it’s performance and will continue to use it!
photo courtesy of Hamilton Beach
Now, this lemonade would be delicious as a non-alcoholic beverage, but let’s spike it with a little bourbon and toast our remaining days of summer! What are you toasting to this summer?
- 4 medium sized peaches
- 2 T sugar
- bourbon of your choice (I used Angel's Envy)
- 4 oz fresh lemonade (or homemade if you're feeling really ambitious)
- fresh thyme sprigs for garnish (optional)
- Preheat over to 400 degrees.
- Slice peaches in half and place in a shallow baking dish. Sprinkle with sugar. Bake for approximately 20 minutes, or until the peaches are soft and skin peels away easily.
- Let cool. Peel off skin and place peaches in a blender. Blend until smooth.
- Fill glass with ice and pour approximately 1oz of bourbon and 2 teaspoons of peach puree. Top off with lemonade and stir. Garnish with thyme sprig if desired.
- Cheers!
