Poppy Seed Dressing with Fresh Peaches

Poppy Seed Dressing with Fresh Peaches

Used to be that I thought Poppy Seed Dressing was created by a goddess to dress up fresh spinach salads with a selection of fresh strawberries, blueberries, glazed pecans, and occasionally a sliced roasted chicken breast.

I was shopping early this morning, just inhaling the beautiful scents of fresh summer fruits and bakery, when I was offered a sample of fresh nectarines and fresh peaches.  I popped that sample into my mouth right away, and as is usually the case, the first bite of a fresh peach each summer is like eating candy.  OMG - absolutely ripened to sweet perfection, beautiful peachy flesh and a glorious red and pink skin. 

 I had a conversation with the store clerk, and told her as much.  Only one problem.  It wasn't a peach - it was a nectarine!  She must have noticed the hesitation in my voice as she handed me a fresh peach sample - which also was like nectar of the gods, but believe it or not, NOT as sweet as the nectarine.

Now, I'm not sure about you, but I always thought that nectarines were firmer and not as flavorful as a peach, and maybe it was just the way that the crops grew this year.  In the past I never really gave nectarines a chance.  But these babies were just as sweet, beautiful and delectable as a fresh summer peach.  I brought home a case of both, which won't last more than a day or two around our house!

I washed and sliced a few of these up at lunch time, filling a platter with the beautiful fruit slices, adding a bowl of fresh Poppy Seed dressing at the last minute on a whim.  Heaven...perfection! 

This Poppy Seed Dressing is a beauty - better than anything bottled.  Very fresh and pretty, perfect for Spring and Summer salads, and now you know - both sliced sweet peaches AND nectarines! 

Isn't it funny how we have ideas about food?  The smells, the tastes, the textures, how one "eh" recipe might prevent you from trying a variation.   Hopefully you'll be brave and try something new, or try something again that you may have tried in the past and pushed to the wayside. 

As for me, I have a feeling that there is a Peach Bellini calling my name....summery yum!  Great way to start the summer!