How To Pick And Drink A Peach From The Farmers Market

Jeannie Yandel meets chef and mixologist Kathy Casey at the Ballard Farmers Market to shop for fresh peaches and honey to make a sparkling summer beverage: a honey lavender peach fizz (recipe below!).

Kathy Casey's Honey Lavender Peach Fizz

If the peach is super shiny when you cut it open you know the brix (sugar level) is high and your peach is going to be sweet! Pick peaches that are heavy with a nice blush on them. This delicious drink is great to enjoy as a non-alcoholic refresher, or add a splash of your favorite local vodka or gin.

• 1.5 ounces (3 tbsp) lavender honey syrup (recipe follows)
• 1.5 ounces (3 tbsp) fresh peach puree (recipe follows)
• 1 ounce (2 tbsp) fresh squeezed lemon juice
• 4 ounces (0.5 cup) sparkling water
• Garnish: fresh lavender and/or rosemary

In a small pitcher or large measuring cup combine the juice and sparkling water. Stir. Pour into glasses filled with ice, garnish and enjoy! Makes one large or two small drinks.

Lavender Honey Syrup

Honey syrup is easy to make and great to have on hand. I love it used in cocktails, homemade lemonade or non-alcoholic refreshers. You can also switch it up a bit by adding a few sprigs of fresh rosemary heated in the water and then steeped with the honey for an hour, strain out and then enjoy!

Makes 1 cup

• 0.5 cup Golden Harvest Bee Ranch Lavender Infused Honey
• 0.5 cup warm water

Mix together ingredients until well combined. Store refrigerated for up to 10 days.

Fresh Peach Puree

Seasonal fruit puree can be made with any nice ripe fresh fruit. It will keep for about 3-4 days refrigerated, or place in small freezer containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Be sure to leave an inch of room at the top of the container for expansion during freezing.

For a fun brunch ideas try adding two tablespoons to a champagne flute and top with a local hard cider for a delicious twist on the traditional Bellini.

Makes about 3 cups

• 3 cups diced fresh very ripe peaches
• 1 tbsp. fresh lemon juice
• 1 tbsp. honey or sugar
• 2 tbsp. water

Combine all ingredients in a blender. Pulse for a few seconds then blend on high till nicely pureed. Strain and then refrigerate or freeze.

Recipes courtesy of Kathy Casey Food Studios-Liquid Kitchen.