4 • August 2016 • UPBEAT TIMES, INC.


& Prosper! Cloverdale, CA. ~


Eat Well


bolic plant of the Taoist religion. It is presented at celebrations as a symbol of hope for a long life. T e peach reached the Mediter-


ranean around 300 B.C., by way of Persia, from which it got its name. Romans, those fruit lovers, spread the peach to Eu- rope. Spanish explorers, in the 16th century, brought the peach with them to the New World. Na- tive Americans and the early colo- nists planted the peach up-and- down the Atlantic seaboard. T ey planted the fruit so tenaciously that early 18th century botanists assumed the peach was native to America. Commercial cultivation began in the early 1800’s. Soon aſt er, Georgia became the peach state, due to the peach which grew so well


T e peach thrives under a wide range of climate conditions and is


there, the Elberta.


Peaches have been cultivated in Chi- na for thousands of years. T is fruit is considered the most sacred sym-


http://upbeattimes.blogspot.com by Executive Chef Ron Skaar ~ ronskaar@comcast.net ~ 707-490-7636 ~FUZZY FRUITS~


cultivated in thirty of the United States.


members of the rose family, in- cluding the apple, cherry, apricot, plum, peach and many berries. Like plums and nectarines, to which they are related, peaches are pri- marily classifi ed as either free- stone or cling- stone. T e fi rm clingstone is mainly bred for drying and can- ning, making it one of the most popular canned fruits. Most of the varieties sold fresh are freestone. Freestone peaches are soſt er and juicier than the clingstone vari- eties. Older freestone standards, such as the Elberta, Hale and Rio Oso Gem, with their tender “melting” texture are more likely to be found at farmers markets and road side stands. T ere are a thousand varieties


A large fraction of fruits are


hundred of those are bred. T e leading commercial peach variet- ies include the Greensboro, Car- men, Bell and the Elberta. T e United States has become the largest commercial producer of peaches in the world, with California leading the way.


of peaches known but only a few of locally grown peaches choose


fl esh, as it matures. Undertones of green mean the fruit was plucked too soon.Look for plumb, me- dium to large size peaches with unwrinkled skin. Avoid rock hard peaches, it should yield slightly to pressure along the seam. Peaches such as these will soſt en if kept at room temperature for a few days. For immediate eating pleasure


develop a soſt er and juicier


this summer, and you’ll fi nd soſt er, sweeter and more fragrant fruit than is available at the supermarket. Peaches do not be- come any sweeter aſt er harvest though they will


Buy local peaches


soſt , perfumery fruits. Tan circles or spots on the skin are early signs of decay. Once peaches ripen store in the refrigerator crisper, where they should keep for 3 to 5 days. Biting into a juicy, soſt and fra-


grant fresh peach is a highlight of the summer. T is recipe combines smoky bacon and juicy peaches for a delightful salad.


GRILLED PEACH, SWEET ONION AND


BACON SALAD Recipe:


For the buttermilk dress- ing, whisk together: ¼ cup each mayonnaise, sour cream and buttermilk 2 tablespoons chopped parsley


2 tablespoons sniped chives


1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar


Salt and freshly ground pepper


For salad:


1 pound thick-sliced bacon ¼ cup light brown sugar ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper


2 medium sweet onions, cut into 1-inch thick slices Extra-virgin olive oil, for brushing


4 large ripe peaches, halved


Less is More?


like my upright piano. T at stays! My drum set and musical equipment, art painting equip- ment and cooking equipment stay.


It’s something I really


need. It stays because music, art & food can always be cre- ated from scratch and can al- ways be new and will always give pleasure to others. So, can less be more? Of course! It’s one of those few weird phrases that speaks volumes in life. Just be-


4 • August 2016 • UPBEAT TIMES, INC. JOKES & Humor # 2


An avid duck hunter was in the market for a new bird dog. His search ended when he found a dog that could actually walk on water to retrieve a duck. Shocked by his fi nd, he was sure none of his friends would ever believe him. He decided to try to break the news to a friend of his, a pessimist by nature, and invited him to hunt with him and his new dog. As they waited by the shore, a fl ock of ducks fl ew by; they


fi red, and a duck fell. The dog responded and jumped into the water. The dog, however, did not sink but instead walked across the water to retrieve the bird, never getting more than his paws wet. The friend saw everything but did not say a single word. On the drive home the hunter asked his friend, “Did you notice any- thing unusual about my new dog?” “I sure did,” responded his friend. “He can’t swim.”


DIRECTIONS: Preheat oven to 325 degrees, line a baking sheet with parchment and ar- range bacon slices in a single layer. Sprinkle with the brown sugar and cayenne and bake for about 25 minutes, until caramelized. Let cool than cut into bite-size pieces. Light a grill or preheat a grill pan. Brush onions with oil and grill over moderate heat until softened and browned. Sepa- rate onions into rings. Brush peaches with olive oil and grill over moderate heat until grill marks appear. Cut peaches into ½-inch wedges. Toss the onions, bacon and peaches with dressing to coat. 8 servings.


... continued from page 2


cause a house has empty walls doesn’t mean they have to be fi lled up with ‘things’. T is newspaper contradicts


this article in a way. It is fi lled with meaningful, useful and fun things meant to please, en- tertain and amuse. I think I said what I need to, ‘more or less!’


May this issue fi nd you well! “Sanity and happiness are an impossible combination.” ~ Mark Twain


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