Almond and Cornmeal Cake

I sliced, peeled, and froze a boat load of peaches while they were still in season a couple of months ago. I knew that at some point in the late summer or fall, I would want their sweet, juicy, peachy goodness. After I extracted the boat load from the freezer, cooked them down, and made these popsicles, I had a mason jar full of leftover cooked peaches. So they seemed like the perfect thing to pile atop this cake, what with its tender cornmeal crunch, subtle honeyed sweetness, and almond overtones. Of course October is not the time for fresh peaches, but no worries, any fruit or jam or cream or whatever you like will do as a topping to this beauty. Although, an unadorned slice of this cake is just as honest and delicious. Happy fall!

Peach & Lavender Coconut Milk Pops

It has come to my attention that it's mid-September. Clearly not the most appropriate time for popsicles or for peaches. But the thing is that I spent my summer with my face in books and bars (not the drinking kind). I didn't get to eat near as many peaches as I typically would want. And I didn't get to make all the popsicles of my dreams. I'm about two months behind on this whole summer thing. So, bear with me.

I snagged a couple of bags of peaches during Pearson's last farmer's market appearance of the season. I let the peaches get perfectly ripe, eating a few along the way, before pitting, slicing, peeling, and freezing the rest. You see, I had been dreaming of soft, juicy, cooked peaches swimming in floral infused coconut milk and knew I would, at some point, have the time and energy to make that a reality. And friends, that time is now!

Cardamom Peach Pie Filling

Dear Georgia,

I came to you two years(-ish) ago. You truly are a delight. So lush and green. Such delicious food. Such lovely shops and farmers markets. Perfectly cold in the winter. Perfectly warm in the summer. But just recently, Georgia, you were 106 degrees. Recently, you've reminded me of a moister Texas summer. Sort of like a sauna. I don't like saunas. Please return to normal. I'll love you forever.

Love,
Natasha

PS: Thanks for the peaches. I'll always love you for that.

If you are a cardamom lover, this is hands down the best peach pie filling there is. It tastes like summer. I rolled it up in yeast dough and made some killer breakfast rolls with it. Then I made some individual crisps with it (not the prettiest desserts, but still delicious). Then I finished off the last of the jar by shamefully tilting it back and tapping it into my mouth...