Happy Sunday Before the 4th of July

A few thoughts on peaches and grilled chicken for the holiday.

“Life’s a peach” is more than a slogan for the McLeods, who run massive orchards in McBee, South Carolina. Fourth-generation owner Kemp McLeod and his son, Spencer, grow peaches on land that has been in his family for a century. Nearly 30 varieties of peaches that the McLeods grow include Cary Mac, developed on the farm and named for McLeod’s grandfather. It’s the place to go in South Carolina for peaches of the highest quality and nearly always in good supply.

Peaches have a special place in my heart. While living in Salisbury, North Carolina we were surrounded by peach orchards and had peaches all summer long. My favorites were the white peaches with a distinct peach fragrance which always made them the tastiest ones right off the tree. Whenever I make peach crisp, I try to find large, freestone peaches.

I appreciate the generations of women who have passed down traditions, and recipes. In my nearly 20 years as a Southern Author, I have gathered a team of experts including my friend Minette Rushing of Savannah. Her fame skyrocketed lately when she was called upon to make the wedding cake for Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck.

Minette’s Peach Crisp is easy to put together and the combination of sweet peaches and crunchy topping makes for a fabulous dessert for the occasion. Hot from the oven with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, oh my! This is so good, I’ve been known to have it cold for breakfast in the morning. But I shouldn’t admit that.