"Southwestern Spiced Pork Chops with Peach Salsa" For National Peach Month

Everywhere I look this summer there are delicious, sweet, juicy peaches. There is a reason why I am seeing more peaches all over and that is because August is “National Peach Month.” Did you know that the peach is a member of the Rose family? It was first cultivated in China. The peach tree is considered to be the tree of life and peaches are symbols of immortality and unity. Peach blossoms are carried by Chinese brides and the image is placed on pottery as a gift which has great value. Travelers along caravan routes carried the peach seed to Persia before it was cultivated in Europe. In the 1600s Spanish explorers brought them to the New World and by the 1700s missionaries had established peaches in California. Columbus brought peach trees to America on his second and third voyages. The United States is the world’s largest producer of peaches. The peach is the state fruit of Georgia and South Carolina. The peach blossom is also the State Flower of Delaware. Johnston, South Carolina is known as “The Peach Capital” of the World.

Other major producers are Italy, France, Greece, and Spain. Peaches (or pesca in Italian) have grown in Italy since the Middle Ages. The yield time is from July to September. There are four main growing regions in Italy and they are; Emilia Romagna, Campania, Piedmont, and Veneto. Many products are made from peaches such as; peach marmalade, peach essence, peach juice concentrate, and peach puree to name a few. My mother told me that my grandfather would slice a peach into a glass of wine. In order to eat the peach slices, they would take a knife and use the tip to spear them in the glass. This was the classic Italian way. The peach adds a pleasant accent to the wine, and the wine can be either red or white depending on the region you are in. We are all peach lovers in my family. My dad especially loves them on top of cereal and I love peach pie. 

Peach varieties can be either Clingstone, where the flesh of the fruit clings to the stone, or Freestone, where the stone twists away from the fruit. The peach pit contains hydrocyanic acid, which is a poisonous substance. Peaches are a good source of vitamins A, B and C. Medium peaches contain only 37 calories. You can ripen peaches by placing them in a brown paper bag for two to three days. Nectarines are a variety of peach with a smooth skin, and are not a cross between a peach and a plum. The juice from peaches makes a wonderful moisturizer, and can be found in many brands of cosmetics. Summer and peaches make a perfect pair.  Peach ice cream and peach sherbet are a cool and refreshing summer favorite. Ripe peaches also freeze well for later use.

My recipe this week is in honor of the peach called, “Southwestern Spiced Pork Chops with Peach Salsa.” This dish enhances many different textures and is very appealing. The juicy peaches make a summer fresh salsa that complements the southwest seasoned grilled pork chops. Oh, Yummy!!! Don’t forget to get your fresh peaches, fruits, and vegetables at your Farmers Markets. It is important to support our local farmers.   

“Southwestern Spiced Pork Chops with Peach Salsa”

Prep Time:  15 minutes
Cook Time: 14 minutes
Serves: 6

Ingredients for Peach Salsa:
3 medium firm ripe peaches cut in 1/4-inch dice
2 to 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
2 tablespoons chopped red onion
1 tablespoon olive oil

Southwestern Spiced Pork Chops:
6 bone-in pork chops, 3/4-inch thick
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons McCormick® Gourmet Collection Southwest Seasoning

Directions:
For the Salsa, mix all ingredients in medium bowl. Cover. Refrigerate until ready to serve. Brush pork chops with oil. Sprinkle with Seasoning. Grill pork over medium heat 5 to 7 minutes per side or until cooked through. Serve pork chops topped with Peach Salsa. Enjoy!!

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I know that my readers have heard of my close personal friend Micheal Castaldo. I have written about Micheal before on my blog posts. He is an Award-winning songwriter/producer, recording artist, composer, Italian Cultural Ambassador, and entrepreneur. He is performing at the SOPAC (South Orange Performing Arts Center) in New Jersey. Please take a moment and read through this Press Release. Don’t forget to purchase tickets to this awesome event that you will not want to miss! Thank you, from Micheal and myself. Ciao!! 

Sunday, September 21:  2PM & 6:30PM
  
Tickets: $37, $57   
SOPAC Members: $32, $52

Investors Bank & Majestic Castle Music Presents: Michéal Castaldo A Musical Celebration of the Italian Spirit: “A Feast for the Ears, Eyes, and Soul”

Award-winning Italian tenor and songwriter, Michéal Castaldo will perform classic Italian tunes like “O Sole Mio,” “Con Te Partiro” (made famous by Andrea Bocelli), and his chart-topping original song, “Pray’r, ” as well as American hit songs sung in Italian, such as “Nights in White Satin, ” and “Hotel California” sung in the Calabrian language. This multimedia show will feature modern dancers performing vibrant dance routines to compliment each song performed by Castaldo, accompanied by The John J. Cali School of Music Strings of Montclair State University, NJ.

Michéal Castaldo has entertained audiences across the USA, Canada, and Europe with rousing renditions of classic Italian songs. With a voice that soothes the soul, Castaldo's performances are enchanting, heartfelt, and authentic. His stories in between songs share moments from his Italian upbringing, tidbits about his musical journey, and insight that went into his song choices.

“Michéal Castaldo is beyond captivating... beyond riveting ... his renditions filled me with tears of happiness”… Joe Franklin (Bloomberg Radio)

"An amazing Italian tenor"… Maria Bartiromo CNBC

"Michéal Castaldo has an amazing voice"... Ann Nyberg WTNH


Till Next Time………………………..

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