Peach Leather

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.

Just what we need this time of year.

Autumn heaven.

 

 

 

Peach Leather
 
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.
:
Ingredients
  • 4 cups peaches cut up
  • ½ cup water
  • ⅓ cup honey
Instructions
  1. 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.
  2. In a medium saucepan, add ½ cup water, ⅓ cup honey or sugar and peaches.
  3. Let the fruit mixture simmer about 10 minutes, or until the fruit is soft.
  4. Whirl it in 2 cup batches, in the blender.
  5. Next, spread evenly on a silicone mat on a 18 x 13 sheet pan.
  6. Bake in the over for 6-10 hours--or until dry-ish to the touch.
  7. 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.
  8. We wrapped them in that sticky cling film--and seriously, they keep beautifully this way!

Memorial Monday

Sincerely, I know what Memorial Day is all about. I do. We ALWAYS take flowers to our sweet family at the cemeteries, whether or not they were Veterans and even though none of them died in a war. This year we did it on Saturday before actual Memorial Day. I forgot to take pictures. Sorry.

We did, however have a lovely barbecue so that we could just…you know…play.

We’re pretty good at that play stuff.

New to our game repertoire  was a corn hole set. It works well for a bit but then the littles wanted to wear it on their backs like a hero cape and run around the yard saving people. Slightly scary.

There was a soccer ball flying throughout the evening…

because pretty much everyone who is anyone (the kids, anyway) have played or are playing or will be playing– soccer.

So it was just a natural thing for all of them to see a ball and kick it!!

Someone brought a sticky target game…

that was also a hit. No pun intended.

Some of the kids created their own games or traded Pokemon cards.

We had hair braiding and chalk painting…

…hanging  inside the monkey bar thingy…

and lighting charcoal snakes!! I love those!

Also new to our game day was an extra large Connect Four.

Even the little kids played with it…

when the big kids were done–of course!!

There was, of course the fabulous barbecue food–but I didn’t pay too much attention to that–picture wise because….well, because…

eating takes two hands.

Heh, heh.

Happy Memorial Day everyone!!!

 

 

 

Pizza Chicken Bake

This is a super easy, quick whip up type meal that people will think you’ve been slaving over all day. It’s essentially a scrumptious pizza, with thinly sliced chicken breast in place of the crust.

Start by thinly slicing 4 chicken breasts into filets. Cook them in a skillet until they are no longer pink inside.

Arrange the cooked chicken in a 9×13 Pyrex pan. Cover the chicken with 1 cup pizza sauce.

Sprinkle about a cup of shredded Mozerella over the chicken. Arrange 2 oz sliced pepperoni on top.

Bake, uncovered at 400 degrees for 25-30 minutes.

Serve nice and hot so the cheese will be all melty.

Goes well with garlic bread and salad.

You ow me big.


Pizza Chicken Bake
 
:
Ingredients
  • 4 Chicken Breasts filleted
  • 1 Cup Pizza Sauce
  • 1 Cup Mozzarella shredded
  • 2 oz sliced pepperoni
Instructions
  1. Slice 4 chicken breasts into thin filets.
  2. Cook in frying pan until slightly browned on both sides.
  3. Arrange chicken in a 9x13 Pyrex dish. Cover with pizza sauce.
  4. Sprinkle cheese and pepperoni over the top.
  5. Bake at 400 degrees for 25-30 minutes.
  6. Serve with salad, veggies and garlic bread.

 

Tomato Cucumber Salad

 

Need a simple snack? Peeled and seeded cucumbers with chopped Roma tomatoes.

With or without a little Creamy Italian— it’s positively heaven! I tried to be rational but I’m pretty sure I went back for more.

Can’t wait till that is fresh from my garden. If I grow nothing else…those would be my staples. Yum!

My Favorite Place

Black Bear Diner….

It’s official.

I’m deeply in love with you.

I always struggle with a full menu. You know…because if it all looks fabulous–how on earth could I possibly be expected to choose?!

I love ribs. I also love French toast. And then I really love salad.

The waitress helped by suggesting all three. Haha

What a smart girl.