Maple Bourbon Peach Jam

Did you know South Carolina actually outranks Georgia – the Peach State – in the production of peaches? During a normal year, South Carolina grows 60,000 tons of peaches! South Carolina is #2 in the nation in peach production (second only to California), and we are fondly called the "Tastier Peach State."

Summer in South Carolina means peaches. From roadside stands to supermarkets, this delectable fruit graces our shelves and palates from early June straight through to September.

I just love peach season here in South Carolina! They are so juicy, sweet and delicious. Or course I also love to make peach jam and other peach treats during the season.

This Maple Bourbon Peach Jam takes normal peach jam to a whole new level. The maple syrup compliments the peach flavor so well, and the bourbon enhances it, giving it just the right amount of warmth and depth of flavor.

This Maple Bourbon Peach Jam is perfect on a cheeseboard with crackers, and a variety of cheeses, spread on top of English muffins and biscuits, or served alongside a roasted pork tenderloin or baked ham, it's versatile and delicious.

Apple Pie Cake

Apple Pie Cake! Say what? Yep, Apple Pie Cake is exactly that using apple pie filling in a cake. I had one jar left of homemade apple pie filling in the pantry, and thought why not add it to a cake?

Similar to many other cakes with a filling, a little batter goes in the pan first, topped with the apple pie filling, then more batter and lastly an easy crumb topping.

Oh my goodness, so yummy, and so easy! Really easy, and no mixer required. Simply mix the batter in a bowl with a spoon, stirring until batter is smooth. See what I mean? So easy!! Don't just serve it for dessert, this Apple Pie Cake makes a great breakfast treat with a nice cup of coffee or tea.

Don't have any apple pie filling? This would be amazing with any pie filling you like; blueberry, cherry, strawberry, peach and more.

RECIPE
Ingredients
2 cups flour
3/4 cups sugar
2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp salt
2 eggs
1/2 cup oil
1 tsp vanilla
3/4 cup milk
1 can apple pie filling (16 oz)

For crumb topping:
1/2 cup flour
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 cup brown sugar
4 tbls softened butter

Method
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. In a medium bowl, combine eggs, oil, vanilla and milk. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredient bowl and mix to combine.

Pour half of the batter into a greased (or sprayed with baking spray) 8 x 8-inch or 9 x 9-inch pan. Spread apple pie filling over the batter. Pour the remainder of the batter on the top of the apple pie filling, covering completely.

For the crumb topping, mix in butter with flour, cinnamon and brown sugar until crumbs form. Sprinkle crumbs over top of cake.

Bake at 375 for 40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Yield: 9 servings

Also seen on Meal Plan Monday

Enjoy,
Mary

© Cooking with Mary and Friends. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Cooking with Mary and Friends with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

Banana Split Dessert

Quick and easy no bake dessert recipe for summer party, picnic or potluck to feed a crowd, this Banana Split Dessert is fun twist on classic ice cream dessert that everyone will enjoy!

This dessert combines pineapple, bananas and strawberries in a creamy pudding that's sure to bring smiles as people dig in, and is a great way to get kids to eat more fruit! It's smooth, creamy, and delicious.

Next time you need quick and easy no bake dessert, try this Banana Split Dessert. It's sure to be a hit with everyone who tries it.

RECIPE
Ingredients
1 (20 oz.) can pineapple chunks
3 medium bananas-sliced
1 3/4 cup diced fresh strawberries
1 (3.4oz. box) vanilla instant pudding mix
1 - 8 oz container extra creamy cool whip
1 1/2 cups mini marshmallows
1/2 cup chopped walnuts (plus more to top on each serving)
1/2 cup mini chocolate morsels (plus more to top on each serving)

Method
In a large bowl mix pineapple chunks with juice and vanilla instant pudding mix, stirring to combine well. Toss in sliced bananas and strawberries, then add cool whip, stirring gently to combine.

Stir in mini marshmallows, chopped walnuts and chocolate morsels. Refrigerate 2-3 hours before serving.

When serving, top each with more chocolate morsels and chopped walnuts if desired. You can even add some chocolate syrup and a maraschino cherry on top.

Enjoy,
Mary

© Cooking with Mary and Friends. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Cooking with Mary and Friends with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

Maple Bacon Potato Salad

Warm potato salads are a fantastic option, and pair perfectly with grilled or roasted meats of all kinds. They add a whole new dimension to any backyard barbecue, and because they are served warm (room temperature is fine), and contain no mayonnaise, they are easily portable and make a great pot luck dish.

The vinegar and maple syrup in this dish combine with chopped onions, garlic, BACON and thyme to make a delicious vinaigrette poured over the warm potatoes. Anything with bacon is better, right?

Just like my Bavarian Potato Salad, the warm potatoes absorb some of the vinaigrette, making it a delicious, tasty side dish.

RECIPE
Ingredients
1 1/2-2 lbs small red or Yukon Gold potatoes (peeling optional)
2 tbls olive oil
6 slices bacon, chopped
1/2 medium onion chopped
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
1/4 cup pure maple syrup
1/4 - 1/2 tsp garlic, minced
1/2 tsp fresh thyme removed from stem and chopped (or use dried thyme leaves)
Salt and pepper to taste

Method
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Peel (if desired) and quarter potatoes (or cut into slightly smaller pieces) and place in a large bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle evenly with salt and pepper, tossing to coat potatoes. Spoon potatoes onto a rimmed baking sheet, and bake for 25 minutes or until tender, turning potatoes half way through baking time to ensure even roasting.

While potatoes are baking, make the vinaigrette. In a medium pan, cook the bacon on medium-high heat until browned and crisp. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and place on paper towel. Drain all but 1 tbls grease from the pan.

In the remaining bacon grease, sauté the onion until soft. Add the vinegar, maple syrup, garlic, thyme and half of the bacon and simmer over medium heat for 5-10 minutes, until slightly reduced. Set aside until potatoes are cooked.

When potatoes are cooked, toss with vinaigrette and garnish with remaining bacon and additional thyme if desired. Serve warm.

Yield: 4 servings

Recipe adapted from The Recipe Rebel

Also seen on Meal Plan Monday

Enjoy,
Mary

© Cooking with Mary and Friends. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Cooking with Mary and Friends with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.