## Warm Peach Crisp with Cinnamon Oat Topping

Warm, bubbling slices of peaches, accented by a touch of cinnamon, are baked beneath a buttery oat topping that’s crispy and golden, resulting in a dessert that’s simpler than pie yet just as pleasurable. This peach crisp is a charming way to savor fresh summer peaches, making it an ideal addition to any dessert spread.

### Flavor Profile

The blend of juicy, sweet-tart peaches and a crunchy, oat-rich topping creates a sweet treat for summertime. The hint of cinnamon amplifies the natural tastes of the peaches, ensuring that every bite is a pleasurable experience.

### Skill Level

Crisps, similar to cobblers and crumbles, are free-form desserts that deliver the flavors of pies without the intricate steps, rendering them very accessible for beginners. This recipe is excellent for those new to baking or anyone seeking a straightforward yet delicious dessert.

### Preparation Notes

You can put together the peach crisp up to a day in advance. Just refrigerate it and bake when you’re set to serve. This adaptability makes it a superb choice for gatherings or spur-of-the-moment entertaining.

### Serving Suggestions

For an interesting twist, bake mini-peach crisps in ramekins for individual snacking. Pair the warm crisp with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of homemade whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce for a luxurious treat.

### Ingredient Tips for Peach Crisp

– **Peaches**: Fresh peaches are ideal for this dish. You may peel them or leave the skins on for a rustic appearance. If fresh peaches aren’t available, frozen (thawed) or canned (drained) peaches are suitable alternatives.

– **Topping**: For a gluten-free variation, replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Rolled oats are recommended for optimal texture. Incorporating shredded coconut can add extra sweetness and texture.

– **Nuts**: Boost the crisp with nuts such as pecans, walnuts, almonds, or pistachios. For a nut-free option, sunflower or pumpkin seeds are great substitutes. Toasting the nuts in a dry skillet before mixing them into the topping can enhance their flavor.

– **Variations**: Don’t restrict yourself to just peaches! Feel free to combine sliced strawberries, blueberries, chopped cherries, raisins, or currants for a fruit blend.

### Tips for the Best Peach Crisp

– Sample the peaches before adding sugar to modify sweetness as required.
– Avoid overmixing the topping; maintaining small chunks of butter will yield the best texture.
– Let the crisp rest for 10-15 minutes prior to serving to allow the fruit mixture to thicken slightly, making it easier to dish out.

### Keeping Peach Crisp Fresh

Store any leftover peach crisp covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 4 months. It can be enjoyed cold or reheated in the microwave, oven, or air fryer. To restore the crispiness of the topping, place portions briefly under the broiler.

### Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

– **Calories**: 334
– **Carbohydrates**: 46g
– **Protein**: 3g
– **Fat**: 17g
– **Saturated Fat**: 8g
– **Cholesterol**: 31mg
– **Sodium**: 109mg
– **Potassium**: 306mg
– **Fiber**: 3g
– **Sugar**: 34g
– **Vitamin A**: 731 IU
– **Vitamin C**: 8mg
– **Calcium**: 41mg
– **Iron**: 1mg

### Conclusion

This warm peach crisp is a delightful dessert that embodies the spirit of summer. With its straightforward preparation and delicious flavors, it’s destined to become a cherished favorite in your household. Savor it warm, topped with your preferred accompaniments, and relish the sweet essence of summer in every bite!

### Smashed Potato Salad: The Ideal Summer Delight

Tangy salad, crunchy potatoes, and smooth ranch – this smashed potato salad is the quintessential summer meal that merges enjoyable textures and tastes. It’s a revitalizing take on standard potato salad, making it an excellent selection for picnics, barbecues, or laid-back lunches.

#### Why This Salad Is Unique

For those who cherish the traditional Midwestern trio of a shredded salad, crispy fries, and decadent ranch dressing, this smashed potato salad delivers on all fronts. In contrast to standard picnic-style potato salads, this variation adopts a more lettuce-forward style, maintaining the crunchy texture of the potatoes while providing a delightful crunch with every mouthful.

The salad is not just zesty and striking but also hearty yet light, making it an enjoyable choice for summer dining. Adding tuna can enhance the dish for dinner, giving an extra protein boost, but the original blend of tangy salad, crispy potatoes, and smooth ranch truly shines.

#### Ingredients

**Crispy Smashed Potatoes**
– Small potatoes (Yukon Gold or red varieties are excellent)

**Salad**
– Romaine lettuce
– Pickles
– Red onions

**Dressing**
– Homemade ranch dressing (or pre-packaged)

#### Instructions

1. **Cook the Potatoes**: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the potatoes and cook until tender (15-25 minutes, based on size).

2. **Prepare the Veggies**: While the potatoes are boiling, dice the romaine, pickles, and onions.

3. **Make the Dressing**: Whisk together all ingredients for the ranch dressing while the potatoes are cooking.

4. **Smash the Potatoes**: Once the potatoes are done and cool enough to handle, use the back of a flat drinking glass to flatten each potato to about 1/4 to 1/8 inch thick.

5. **Roast the Potatoes**: Place the smashed potatoes in a single layer in an air fryer basket. Spray with avocado oil, season, and air fry at 375°F for around 15 minutes until golden and crisp. (Alternatively, bake in the oven at 375°F for 30-45 minutes.)

6. **Serve**: Combine the romaine, pickles, and onions with the dressing. Fold in half of the crispy potatoes and set aside the remaining half to top the salad. Savor the crunchy, fresh, and creamy flavors together!

#### Notes

– The potatoes can also be baked for a crunchier texture.
– This salad is easily adaptable with extra ingredients such as cherry tomatoes or avocado.

### Conclusion

Smashed potato salad is a delightful summer dish that blends the finest crispy, creamy, and tangy flavors. Whether enjoyed as a side or a main course, it’s guaranteed to be a favorite at any gathering. Relish this refreshing salad that brings happiness with every bite!

**Tuscan Bread Salad (Panzanella): An Italian Culinary Treasure**

Panzanella, an iconic Tuscan bread salad, is a colorful and revitalizing dish that captures the spirit of Italian gastronomy. Hailing from the simple kitchens of Tuscany, this salad exemplifies the region’s knack for turning modest, everyday ingredients into a culinary gem. Typically savored during the sunny summer months, Panzanella celebrates fresh produce and ingeniously utilizes stale bread.

**Origins and History**

The roots of Panzanella can be traced to the Italian countryside, where farmers and laborers maximized their available resources. The dish emerged from necessity, crafted as a method to use stale bread along with the plentiful garden vegetables. Over the years, it transformed into a cherished dish that highlights the region’s vibrant flavors.

The term “Panzanella” is thought to originate from the Italian words “pane,” signifying bread, and “zanella,” meaning a deep dish or bowl. Traditionally, the salad was prepared with onions and seasoned with olive oil and vinegar. However, as tomatoes became a staple in Italian cooking, they were included in the recipe, enriching it with color and taste.

**Ingredients and Preparation**

Panzanella is defined by its straightforwardness and emphasis on premium ingredients. The primary elements of the salad encompass:

1. **Stale Bread**: Typically, unsalted and dense Tuscan bread is utilized. The bread is cut into cubes and soaked in water to soften, then pressed to eliminate excess liquid. This technique allows the bread to soak up the dressing and vegetable flavors.

2. **Tomatoes**: Fresh, succulent tomatoes are crucial to Panzanella, offering a sweet and tart contrast to the bread, often taking center stage in the dish.

3. **Cucumbers**: Crisp cucumbers bring a zesty crunch that counterbalances the richness of other ingredients.

4. **Red Onions**: Thinly sliced red onions provide a sharp, spicy flavor that pairs well with the sweetness of the tomatoes.

5. **Basil**: Fresh basil leaves contribute a fragrant scent and a touch of peppery zest.

6. **Olive Oil and Vinegar**: A hearty splash of top-quality extra virgin olive oil and a dash of red wine vinegar or balsamic vinegar create a simple yet delicious dressing that unifies the salad.

7. **Seasoning**: Salt and freshly ground black pepper enhance the inherent flavors of the ingredients.

To make Panzanella, the bread is soaked, squeezed, and mixed with the diced vegetables and basil. The salad is then dressed with olive oil and vinegar, seasoned, and permitted to rest for a while, allowing the flavors to blend harmoniously.

**Variations and Serving Suggestions**

Although the traditional recipe is well-loved, Panzanella is adaptable and can be modified to reflect personal tastes or seasonal offerings. Variations may include adding bell peppers, capers, olives, or mozzarella cheese. Grilled veggies or roasted peppers can also be integrated for a smoky flavor enhancement.

Panzanella is generally served as a light lunch or side dish, often paired with grilled meats or fish. It complements a chilled glass of white wine beautifully, making it an ideal selection for outdoor dining.

**Conclusion**

Tuscan bread salad, known as Panzanella, is an exquisite representation of Italian culinary heritage. Its uncomplicated nature, focus on fresh ingredients, and ability to turn leftovers into a delightful meal render it a timeless favorite. Whether relished as an appetizer, a side, or a main dish, Panzanella provides a taste of Tuscany that is equally satisfying and revitalizing.

# The Delight of Everyday Matcha: A Personal Insight

I enjoy matcha at least once daily. Not in the morning – typically in the afternoon, as a way to pause and relish the small moments in life. It’s invigorating, loaded with antioxidants, and absolutely scrumptious. It transports me back to when we resided in Japan, where I tried to slow down and appreciate the changing seasons despite being in the ever-bustling Tokyo.

## Matcha Green Tea

Matcha is taking the world by storm – from matcha lattes to cakes, breads, ice creams, croissants, popcorn, and cookies – there appears to be no limit to the global fascination with matcha-flavored items. It’s no wonder that matcha is the top favorite flavor of sweets in Japan. From the traditional tea ceremony to more laid-back lattes in trendy cafes, matcha is a vital part of Japanese culture.

**Matcha green tea is the truest representation of this.** I yearn for the matcha culture in Japan. I never realized how much matcha green tea I consumed until we departed! From twist-cap cold matcha from convenience stores to adorable matcha cafes, I indulged in so much matcha that I’m astonished I didn’t turn green.

## What is Matcha?

Matcha is a powdered green tea derived from dried green tea leaves. The powdered tea originates from shade-grown leaves and contains no stems or veins. The color of matcha is strikingly vibrant green due to exceptionally high chlorophyll levels.

## What Does Matcha Taste Like?

Matcha presents a sweet, vegetal grassy flavor with a touch of nuttiness and mild bitter notes. It’s like an elevated version of green tea!

## Is Matcha Good for You?

Absolutely! Green tea is known for its antioxidants, but matcha is on another level when it comes to health benefits, as you ingest the entire tea leaf. The antioxidants in matcha aid in lowering the risk of heart disease, enhancing metabolism, and reducing blood pressure.

## Does Matcha Have Caffeine?

Matcha contains more caffeine than standard green tea and is roughly equivalent to coffee. Unlike coffee, it doesn’t induce a jittery effect because matcha includes a unique amino acid (L-Theanine) that moderates the release of caffeine and promotes a sense of calming relaxation.

## Which Brand Should I Buy?

If you intend to drink your matcha with just water, opt for ceremonial grade – we recommend [Ippodo brand from Japan](https://amzn.to/36qyvcH).

If you prefer your matcha mixed with milk or sweetener and plan to use it in recipes, culinary matcha is more economical and gets the job done. [Ito En culinary matcha](https://amzn.to/33tX4Ux) is a great option – I love their bottled cold green tea, so it stands to reason that their culinary matcha is excellent as well.

## Culinary vs Ceremonial Matcha Powder

Not all matcha is equal and it can be somewhat perplexing. Generally, the pricier the matcha, the higher the quality. The primary distinction lies in the age of the green tea plants: the youngest plants yield a sweeter, intense, rich, and smooth flavor that is used for ceremonial matcha. Older plants are utilized to produce culinary matcha.

– **Ceremonial matcha** is employed in traditional Japanese tea ceremonies where they prepare *koicha* – a form of thick matcha. Because koicha is quite potent, only the finest matcha is used since it’s solely mixed with water and never utilized for lattes or desserts. Essentially, ceremonial matcha has no other ingredients to hide behind. However, even within ceremonial matcha, there are different grades available.

– **Culinary matcha** is typically used for making cakes, cookies, and other treats or dishes. Culinary matcha is usually harvested from older plants in the autumn. Again, there are various grades of culinary matcha, and since there’s no standardized grading, culinary matcha can vary from very good to subpar.

## Do I Need a Chasen/Matcha Whisk?

You don’t require a matcha whisk and holder, but if you possess one, making matcha will be infinitely more fulfilling and simpler. Traditional matcha whisks, known as *chasen*, are crafted from a single piece of bamboo and feature numerous flexible whisks specifically designed to blend matcha into a creamy, emulsified mixture.

The advantages of a chasen are twofold: because they are made from bamboo, they won’t scratch your bowls, and due to their multiple prongs, they can froth your matcha more effectively than a metal whisk. If you obtain a matcha whisk, it’s advisable to also get the holder – *kusenaoshi* – as well.

**Classic Wedge Salad Recipe**

This traditional wedge salad recipe showcases crunchy iceberg lettuce, rich homemade blue cheese dressing, and toasted breadcrumbs for the ideal effortless side. It’s prepared in merely 15 minutes and complements nearly any dish.

### Ingredients

**For the Salad:**
– 1 recipe Blue Cheese Dressing
– 1 small head iceberg lettuce
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, quartered (or 4 sundried tomatoes, chopped)
– 2 chives, thinly sliced
– 3 tablespoons blue cheese crumbles
– Smoky breadcrumbs, for topping (1 handful crushed potato chips or crumbled bacon)

**For the Smoky Breadcrumbs:**
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– ½ cup panko (or homemade breadcrumbs)
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– ½ teaspoon each onion powder and garlic powder
– ¼ heaping teaspoon kosher salt

### Instructions

1. **Prepare the Blue Cheese Dressing.**
2. **Prepare the Smoky Breadcrumbs (if using):** Warm olive oil in a small skillet over medium heat. In a separate bowl, combine panko with smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and kosher salt. Add to the skillet and toast, stirring often, until golden and crunchy, about 2 to 3 minutes. Transfer to a bowl.
3. **Prepare the Lettuce:** Take off the outer leaves of the iceberg head, then slice into wedges (4 for a small head, 6 for a large head). Prepare the chives and tomatoes.
4. **Serve:** Set a wedge on a plate. Top with dressing, tomatoes, chives, blue cheese crumbles, and smoky breadcrumbs. Serve right away.

### Notes

– *Not a blue cheese fan?* Create Ranch Dressing and incorporate ½ teaspoon smoked paprika for a smoky twist. Then finish with crumbled feta cheese.

This wedge salad is vegetarian and gluten-free, making it a flexible option for diverse dietary needs. Relish it as a side dish or pair it with your preferred meal for a refreshing and fulfilling addition.