The Ontario Peaches Changing Lunchtime

While the new National School Food Program will roll out for the second year this fall, Summerlunch+ has been helping families prepare healthy, affordable meals during the summer months for over a decade.

Every week, when school lunch is not available, they provide free groceries and live virtual cooking classes led by nutritionists for families facing food insecurity.

That way, Summerlunch+ builds food literacy, confidence in the kitchen, and brings families together around food.

Their Executive Director and Founder, Susan Wright, lives in the neighbourhood and is a loyal Fiesta Farms fan, so it’s no surprise that one of her favourite summer recipes uses peak Ontario peaches.

Susan and the Summerlunch+ team share a recipe for golden, gently spiced Turmeric Peach Crisp, a summer dessert that’s as easy as it is delicious. Looking for more family-friendly recipes?  Summerlunch+ 

Golden Peach Crisp

This golden peach crisp is a warm and cozy dessert packed with peaches and topped with a buttery oat crust. A hint of turmeric adds a fun twist and a pop of colour to the classic cinnamon-spiced topping. It’s simple to make, and perfect for little hands to help mix and sprinkle!

Ingredients:

• 4 cups of sliced peaches

• 1/2 cup whole wheat flour

• 1 cup rolled oats

• 1/2 cup white sugar (or brown sugar)

• 1 stick cold butter, cut into small pieces

• 1 tbsp turmeric

• 1/2 tsp salt

• 2 tsp cinnamon (optional)

Equipment:

• Mixing bowl

• Mixing spoon

• 8 inch x 8 inch oven-safe baking dish

• Measuring cups and spoons

• Oven

• Oven mitts

Method:

1. Preheat oven to 350F.

2. Peel and slice peaches by cutting off the four sides around the pit along with the bottom piece, then slice each segment into wedges with grown up supervision.

3. Place the fruit into the 8×8 baking tray.

4. In a large mixing bowl, mix the flour, butter, turmeric, cinnamon and salt using your clean hands to break up the butter chunks into to small pieces. Then mix in the oats and sprinkle the topping over the peaches.

5. Bake the crumble for about 30 minutes until the topping is lightly brown and the fruit is soft.