Farmers’ Market Peach Smoothie

 

Saturday mornings from May to October, I can’t wait to drive to the center of our New England town to the Farmers’ Market. There on a short block that dissects the town common, local growers present their weekly harvest under canopied stands. Ours is not a large, sprawling market, but what it lacks in quantity, it certainly makes up for in quality.

Proud farmers display bins of gorgeous vegetables and fruits (mostly organic), and are eager to discuss what varieties they’ve grown. Want a Green Zebra or a Cherokee Purple  tomato. No problem—our vendors offer those and countless other heirlooms. 

There’s a stand that sells superb grass-fed lamb, butchered and packaged in frozen bundles. Bakers set out baguettes and French peasant loaves as well as flax, sourdough, and olive breads. Others sell exquisite seasonal flowers picked that morning, and a few tempt shoppers with local maple syrup and homemade soaps.

Recently, as I ambled by the different stalls, I stopped at the local yogurt stand where a merchant was selling smoothies made with her maple/vanilla yogurt and fresh chopped peaches. Unable to resist, I purchased one of the icy cold drinks and downed it in seconds. The tart yogurt was balanced by a hint of maple syrup and a dash of vanilla, while the peaches provided a subtle, fruited accent. I’ve included the recipe, and hope you’ll enjoy this “market” smoothie as much as I did.

Farmers’ Market Peach Smoothie

1 cup Greek yogurt (whole or reduced fat)

4 teaspoons maple syrup plus more if needed

1/4 teaspoon vanilla

2/3 cup diced yellow peaches (Use ripe peaches that are peeled and cut into 1/2 inch dice.)

1 mint sprig for garnish, optional

1. Place yogurt, maple syrup, vanilla, and peaches in a blender or food processor and pulse until mixture is smooth. If a few bits of peach remain, that’s okay. The smoothie will be a pale, blush ivory color. Pour into a glass and refrigerate until chilled, 30 minutes or more. If desired, garnish with a mint sprig. Makes one smoothie (about 1 1/4 cups).

Note:  Feel free to add more maple syrup, a few drops at a time, if you like, since peaches can vary in their sweetness.