Celebrate the DNC With Grilled Colorado Peaches

July 30, 8:43 AMDenver Food ExaminerAndrea Spikes

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Get 'em while they're peachy

Whether you're hosting a few delegates, camping in a local park or just tailgating from your armchair, food will be a hot topic during the Democrating National Convention. From catered parties to backyard barbeques, the convention is a celebration of all things American.

If you find yourself hosting a party or are looking for ways to show off Colorado (or both), here's a surefire way to impress your friends: serve grilled Colorado peaches for dessert.

Colorado peaches are just coming into season now, and 2008 promises to be a banner year for the favored fruit. In fact, you can hop over to Palisade to celebrate their annual Palisade Peach Festival August 14-17.

Can't make it to Palisade? You can always buy them at your local Colorado farmers market or grocer, or have them shipped to you (or your out-of-state, peach-deprived friends) directly from growers such as Walcher Orchards and High Country Orchards.

What's so great about Colorado peaches? Several things. First, they've been served to some lucky people at Buckingham Palace, the White House and Canard Ocean Liners for over 100 years. Second, you might call it the terroir of the Palisade location: cold winters, a long frost-free growing season, cool mountain breezes and rich, fertile volcanic-based soils with complex clay and loam components. What you get is legendary quality, flavor and sweetness.

Once you have these succulent stone fruits on hand, here's an easy way to grill them. They will pair nicely with some vanilla ice cream and maybe even a drizzle of orange liqueur.

Grilled Colorado Peach
1 small peach (ripe but still fairly firm)

1. Preheat grill to medium-hot.

2. Cut peach in half, remove pit and brush lightly with vegetable oil.

3. Grill skin-side up for 4 minutes. Turn over and grill skin-side down for 3-4 minutes. Fruit is done when it is marked on the exterior, just barely softened and heated through in the center.