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Sweeten Up Summer With Peaches 'n' Cream

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Healthy Oat Peaches and Cream Muffins
Peaches and Cream Pops
Peaches and Cream Power Shake

(Family Features) - Sweet, comforting and distinctly summer. Peaches and cream are an iconic flavor combination that transcends mere "recipe" status. In fact, this duo appears in everything from homey baked desserts to refreshing chilled soups, and this summer they're taking on a different look.

In the warm months ahead, lighten up with a new take on peaches and cream. It's the same peachy sweetness but with a reduced calorie and low-fat creaminess friendly to a healthy lifestyle. Begin the day with a frosty smoothie, chill out with icy Peaches and Cream Pops or bring along a nutritious and appetizing muffin for a late-morning or afternoon snack.

Can't get enough of California peaches this summer? Then check out the 90-Day Challenge at www.eatcaliforniafruit.com. Test your knowledge about California tree fruit, get delicious recipes featuring peaches, plums and nectarines and take in health-focused tips from two-time gold medalist Summer Sanders.

For more recipes and information on California peaches, as well as plums and nectarines, go to www.eatcaliforniafruit.com.

Did you know?

California grows more than 60 percent of the nation's peaches, including juicy yellow flesh and sweet white flesh varieties.

Healthy Oat Peaches and Cream Muffins

Description
Lighten up with a new take on peaches and cream; try this nutritious and tasty muffin. It is great for breakfast, late-morning or afternoon snack.

Ingredients
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 3/4 cup quick oats
  • 2/3 cup plus 1 tablespoon firmly packed brown sugar, divided
  • 1/3 cup oat bran
  • 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/2 cup low-fat cream cheese
  • 1 cup peeled, chopped fresh California peaches, divided
  • 1 cup skim milk
  • 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 egg
  • 1/3 cup toasted, chopped walnuts

Preparation
    1. Preheat oven to 350°F and spray 12 muffin tins with non-stick cooking spray.
    2. Combine dry ingredients in medium bowl, reserving 1 tablespoon brown sugar; mix well and set aside.
    3. Stir together cream cheese and reserved brown sugar. When well blended, fold in 1/4 cup peaches. Add milk, oil, vanilla and egg to dry ingredients, mixing just until dry ingredients are moistened. Lightly stir in remaining peaches and walnuts.
    4. Spoon 3/4 of mixture into prepared muffin tins. Place 1 teaspoonful cream cheese mixture in center of each, then spoon remaining batter over top. Bake 20 to 25 minutes or until toothpick inserted into center comes out clean.

Preparation Time
15 minutes

Cook Time
20 to 25 minutes

Serves
Makes 12 muffins

Peaches and Cream Pops

Ingredients
  • 1/2 cup peeled, chopped fresh California peaches
  • 1/3 cup peeled, pureed fresh California peaches
  • 2/3 cup vanilla yogurt

Preparation
    1. Lightly swirl all ingredients together in small bowl.* Spoon into 4 popsicle molds and insert handle. Freeze at least 4 hours.

Preparation Time
10 minutes

Chill Time
Freeze time: At least 4 hours

Serves
Makes 4 pops

Notes, Tips & Suggestions
*For extra sweet pops, add 1 to 2 tablespoons of honey to yogurt before swirling.

Peaches and Cream Power Shake

Ingredients
  • 1/4 cup boiling water
  • 1 peach-flavored white tea bag
  • 1 1/4 cups diced fresh California peaches
  • 3/4 cup low-fat plain yogurt
  • 2 to 3 tablespoons honey
  • 1 tablespoon soy protein powder (optional)
  • 1/2 tablespoon ground flaxseed
  • 1 cup ice cubes

Preparation
    1. Pour boiling water over tea bag to make tea concentrate. Let stand a few minutes to steep; remove bag and chill liquid.
    2. Combine chilled tea concentrate with remaining ingredients in blender. Whirl until smooth.

Preparation Time
5 minutes

Serves
Makes 1 (16-ounce) smoothie

Notes, Tips & Suggestions
Tip: Make several batches of the tea concentrate ahead of time and keep on hand in the refrigerator.

SOURCE: California Tree Fruit Agreement

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