Whenever it’s that lovely time when leaves start to change and fall–from late September to Thanksgiving, I simply adore getting out puzzles that show how it’s suppose to look outside….you know, in my fantasy world.
It’s been warmer here than usual for this time of year, so our leaves are starting to change–but no actual falling yet.
But I don’t really mind because I just whip out a puzzle that helps me feel the crisp, chilly air…
kids playing in piles of leaves…
all the little things…
that are easy to miss…
until we slow down a bit and let it all just happen around us.
Ok, it’s best to start with the plain and simple facts. I LOVE peaches. I’ve picked them from my own tree when my kids were little and turned them into a million jars, canned for winter. I’ve made jam, and sauces and everything else you can think of.
Everything that is…except leather.
No idea why I’ve never tried it, but as it turns out–it was pretty easy–and SO much better for you than the rubbery, store bought kind.
You simply wash and cut up 4 cups of raw peaches. You can peel them if you like, but I didn’t because I love the extra flavor, nutrients and fiber.
In a medium saucepan, add 1/2 cup water, 1/3 cup honey or sugar and peaches. Let the fruit mixture simmer about 10 minutes, or until the fruit is soft.
I even used my snooty raw Utah honey, instead of sugar.
Extra points for me. Haha.
Whirl it in 2 cup batches, in the blender.
Next, spread evenly on a silicone mat on a 18 x 13 sheet pan.
Bake in the over for 6-10 hours–or until dry-ish to the touch.
When completely cooled, peel the leather off the mat and roll from long end to long end. If you want a bigger roll up, just roll it from short end to short end.
I love the smaller pieces that you get this way. They are perfect for little ones and if you want more–just take two!
We wrapped them in that sticky cling film–and seriously, they keep beautifully this way! We are still eating some from last year.
They taste so good and make the house smell like Autumn heaven.
wash and cut up 4 cups of raw peaches. You can peel them if you like, but I didn't because I love the extra flavor, nutrients and fiber. In a medium saucepan, add ½ cup water, ⅓ cup honey or sugar and peaches. Let the fruit mixture simmer about 10 minutes, or until the fruit is soft.
: Launi
Ingredients
4 cups peaches cut up
½ cup water
⅓ cup honey
Instructions
Wash and cut up 4 cups of raw peaches. You can peel them if you like, but I didn't because I love the extra flavor, nutrients and fiber.
In a medium saucepan, add ½ cup water, ⅓ cup honey or sugar and peaches.
Let the fruit mixture simmer about 10 minutes, or until the fruit is soft.
Whirl it in 2 cup batches, in the blender.
Next, spread evenly on a silicone mat on a 18 x 13 sheet pan.
Bake in the over for 6-10 hours--or until dry-ish to the touch.
When completely cooled, peel the leather off the mat and roll from long end to long end. If you want a bigger roll up, just roll it from short end to short end.
We wrapped them in that sticky cling film--and seriously, they keep beautifully this way!
You know that funny place where Summer is pretty much done, kids are back to school, everybody is ready for Autumn…
but the weather isn’t quite playing along yet?
Yeah, that’s where we are now. Too breezy and cool to actually swim, but then, the next day it’s 230 degrees on the porch.
Mother Nature make up your MIND already!!
So, as to not feel thwarted in my desire to decorate accordingly, the colors that felt to me like this middle space between the hot days and Halloween– I came up with these.
Maroon and lavender and deep green and a variegated mixture of them all. Clever–yes? It kinda looks like a bright, yet ready-for-Fall-ish sort of concoction, don’t you think?
At any rate, it makes me smile.
So go ahead Mother Nature–do your thing. I’ve found my color “happy place” in spite of you.
And we can stay here comfortably till the leaves come down.
