Terra Americana

I don't consider Facebook one of the 10 wonders of the world. But yesterday I saw Kevin Grezabian posted that peaches are in at Nestrovich and thought what a great invention. All day I've been contemplating on what I'm going to do with my peaches. I was thinking cobbler, and jam and ice cream. Then I thought an even better way to end a long day, week and month would be a fantastic picture of sangria.

There was that white sangria Kate once made and all those questionable bottles of Pinot Grigio sitting atop my sister's fridge, the blueberries in the freezer and now my splendid peaches.

• 2 peaches per bottle of wine
• 1/3 cup blueberries per bottle wine
• 1/8 cup sugar per bottle of wine
• Wine and more wine

Lightly macerate blueberries. Blanche peel and slice peaches. Add fruit and sugar to your pitcher. Top with wine. Let's sit in the sun for two hours. Refrigerate until you're ready.

More ideas for your peaches:

• Peach Salsa

• Watermelon and Peach Salad with feta and mint

• Spiced Peach Butter

• Rugelach

Photo credit:  Julie Cecchini

  Shopping at Rays, our little local farm stand, is a guilty pleasure.  I go in for an onion and leave with a bushel of tomatoes.  That was yesterday's story.  I am considering just going there by bike from now on, or at least until winter. Otherwise I will need to spend a week in the kitchen making the most of all of the delights that just tickled my fancy.

This morning I awoke dreaming about the crates of eggplant and zucchini that were just begging to come home with me. The first sip of coffee reminded me of the tantalizing tomato martini my trip to the market turned into.  What a way to wind down a wicked week!

• 2 very ripe tomatoes 
• 2 large green olives
• 6 ounces chilled vodka (Try Tito's Handmade)
• Tomato slices, quartered to garnish

Chop tomatoes and green olives roughly. Add vodka and marinate for about 30 minutes in the fridge.  Mash and add ice cubes.  Shake and strain into glasses.  Serve with tomato slices, as many as make you happy.  This makes 2 very healthy martini's.

The best creative cocktails start with the best spirits.  Mike and Dave at Westfield Spirit Shop are our go to guys to how to pair fabulous flavors.

Find them at:

440 Southampton Road
Westfield, Ma 01085

• Monday-Thursday 9AM – 10:30PM
• Friday-Saturday 9AM – 11PM
• Sunday 12-7PM

More creative ways to enjoy your happy hour:

• There is nothing like a Vodka Gimlet

• A sensational summer sip from Prince Edward Island, The "Eddy"

• Slightly sweet and sublime, a vintage cocktail reinvented; the Karentini

• Shine Caiprinha

Photo Credit:  Julie Cecchini