Bean, Corn, Tomato & Barley Salad – A Late-Summer Harvest Salad

This Bean, Corn, Tomato & Barley Salad is a colorful late-summer harvest salad made with sweet corn, juicy tomatoes, edamame, garbanzo beans, hearty barley, and fresh herbs.

Bean, Corn, Tomato & Barley Salad – A Late-Summer Harvest Salad

As the end of summers approaches I find that it makes me want to use up every bit of fresh produce I can get my hands on.

The corn is still sweet. The tomatoes are still juicy. Fresh herbs are growing like crazy. And even though everyone seems ready to move on to pumpkin and apples, summer produce is still giving us plenty to work with.

That's exactly what inspired this Bean, Corn, Tomato & Barley Salad – A Late-Summer Harvest Salad.

It's one of those recipes that brings together some of my favorite things about summer in one colorful bowl. Sweet corn, ripe tomatoes, fresh herbs, and a simple homemade vinaigrette keep it bright and fresh, while edamame, garbanzo beans, and barley give the salad enough substance to make it satisfying.

And while the name might sound like there are a lot of ingredients happening here, it's actually a very easy salad to pull together. The dressing is simple, the edamame cooks in about a minute, and the barley can even be made ahead if you'd like.

Whether you serve it as a hearty lunch, a light dinner, or alongside something grilled, this is my kind of way to hold onto summer for just a little bit longer.

Enjoy!

-- Ingredients

This salad combines fresh late-summer produce with hearty pantry staples for plenty of flavor and texture.

• Fresh Corn - Sweet, crisp corn is one of the stars of this salad. Fresh corn cut straight from the cob is wonderful while it's in season, but frozen corn works too.

• Edamame - Adds a fresh pop of green, along with a little extra protein and texture.

• Cherry or Grape Tomatoes - Juicy, colorful, and perfect for adding that fresh summer flavor.

• Garbanzo Beans - Make the salad more filling and add a creamy, hearty texture.

• Quick-Cooking Barley - The ingredient that brings everything together. Barley gives the salad a satisfying, slightly chewy texture and helps turn it into something substantial enough for lunch.

• Red Onion - Adds just the right amount of sharpness and crunch.

• Olive Oil - Forms the base of the simple vinaigrette.

• Apple Cider Vinegar - Adds brightness and a little tang to balance the sweet corn and tomatoes.

• Honey - Just enough to soften the vinegar and bring balance to the dressing.

• Kosher Salt & Black Pepper - Simple seasoning to bring all of the flavors together.

• Fresh Mint or Basil - Either herb works beautifully here. Mint keeps the salad especially bright and fresh, while basil gives it more of a classic summer-garden feel.  I chose to use basil this time.

-- Equipment

You only need a few basic kitchen tools:

• Large mixing bowl
• Small saucepan
• Small bowl or screw-top jar for the dressing
• Sharp knife
• Cutting board
• Whisk or spoon

-- Let's Make It Together

Cook the edamame briefly, then add it to a large bowl with the fresh corn, tomatoes, garbanzo beans, cooked barley, and red onion.

Whisk together the simple apple cider vinaigrette and pour it over the salad. Toss everything together, then finish with plenty of fresh mint or basil.

That's it—a colorful, hearty salad that tastes like the last beautiful weeks of summer.

-- Perfecting the Process

Use Fresh Corn While You Can - Fresh summer corn gives this salad wonderful sweetness and a little crunch. If fresh corn isn't available, frozen whole-kernel corn is a perfectly good substitute.

Let the Barley Cool - If you've just cooked the barley, allow it to cool before adding it to the salad. Warm barley can soften the tomatoes and herbs.

Don't Overcook the Edamame - One minute in boiling water is enough to heat and tenderize the edamame. Drain and cool it quickly so it keeps its bright color and fresh texture.

Choose Your Herb - Fresh mint gives this salad a cool, bright flavor, while basil makes it taste more like a classic late-summer garden salad. Use whichever one you love—or try a combination of both.

Toss Just Before Serving - The salad can sit for a little while, but for the freshest tomatoes and herbs, toss everything together close to serving time.

-- Make-Ahead Tip

This isn't officially a Weekend Prep. Weeknight Easy recipe, but it does have a useful little make-ahead advantage.

Cook the barley ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until you're ready to make the salad. Once the barley is already cooked and cooled, the rest of the recipe comes together quickly.

You can also make the vinaigrette ahead and keep it refrigerated in a jar. Give it a good shake before adding it to the salad.

-- Add Your Touch

This salad is easy to customize depending on what you have on hand.

• Add grilled chicken for an even heartier meal.
• Try feta cheese for a creamy, salty addition.
• Use basil instead of mint for a more traditional summer flavor.
• Add avocado just before serving for extra richness.
• Use frozen corn when fresh corn isn't available.
• Swap the garbanzo beans for white beans if you prefer.
• Add a little lemon juice for an extra-bright finish.

Set the Mood

A Bowl of Late Summer

There is no single ingredient in this salad that's trying to steal the show.

It's the combination of sweet corn, juicy tomatoes, fresh herbs, hearty beans, and chewy barley that makes every bite interesting. Bright, colorful, and satisfying without feeling heavy, this is exactly the kind of food I still want to eat while summer produce is at its best.

Before the tomatoes disappear and fresh corn becomes harder to find, make a bowl, grab a fork, and enjoy one more taste of summer.

More Summer Produce Recipes to Try

Fresh Summer Tomato Bruschetta with Mozzarella & Basil — A simple way to make the most of peak-season tomatoes.

Summer Cucumber-Honeydew Salad with Grilled Chicken & Feta — Cool, fresh, and perfect for hot summer days.

Orange Cardamom Zucchini Bread — A bright summer twist on a classic zucchini quick bread.

Fresh Peach Galette – A Last Taste of Summer — Ripe peaches, vanilla, and a touch of almond in a simple rustic dessert.

Before You Start

Can I use frozen corn?
Yes. Frozen whole-kernel corn works well when fresh corn isn't available. Thaw it before adding it to the salad.

Can I use regular pearl barley?
You can, but you'll need to cook it according to the package directions. The recipe is written for quick-cooking barley.

Can I make this salad ahead?
You can prepare the barley and vinaigrette ahead of time. For the freshest results, add the tomatoes and fresh herbs closer to serving.

Should I serve this warm or cold?
This salad is best served at room temperature or lightly chilled. I wouldn't serve it piping hot because the fresh vegetables and herbs are part of what makes it taste so good.

Can I use basil and mint together?
Absolutely. A combination of the two would be delicious and give the salad an especially fresh summer flavor.

Is this a side dish or a main meal?
Either! The beans, edamame, and barley make it substantial enough for a light lunch, but it also works beautifully as a side with grilled chicken, fish, or steak.

Fresh Peach Galette – A Last Taste of Summer

This Fresh Peach Galette with Vanilla & Almond lets ripe summer peaches shine with simple flavors and a golden, flaky crust. No cinnamon, brown sugar, or butter needed.

Fresh Peach Galette – A Last Taste of Summer

There are some summer desserts that just don't need much help.

When peaches are ripe, juicy, and perfectly sweet, I don't want to bury them under brown sugar, cinnamon, or a heavy layer of spices. I want the peaches to taste like peaches.

That's exactly what inspired this Fresh Peach Galette - A Last Taste of Summer.

This is a simple dessert built around ripe summer fruit. The peaches are lightly sweetened and flavored with vanilla, a tiny splash of almond extract, and fresh lemon juice—just enough to enhance their natural flavor without taking over.

And here's another thing I love about this recipe: there's no peeling required. The peach skins stay right on, adding beautiful color and a little texture while saving you from one of the more tedious parts of baking with fresh peaches. Because honestly, peeling peaches can feel like a job all by itself.

There's no brown sugar, no cinnamon, and no butter in the filling. Instead, the fruit stays front and center, tucked into a golden, flaky crust with those beautiful peach juices bubbling around the edges.

And because we're using a ready-made pie crust, this is the kind of summer dessert that feels special without requiring you to spend an afternoon in the kitchen.

Serve it slightly warm on its own, or add a scoop of vanilla ice cream and let the peaches do what they do best.

Enjoy!

-- Ingredients

This galette is intentionally simple. Each ingredient helps highlight the flavor of the fresh peaches without competing with them.

• Fresh Peaches - The star of the recipe. Use ripe peaches that are fragrant and juicy but still firm enough to slice. There's no need to peel them—the skins add beautiful color and a little texture.

• Granulated Sugar - A light amount of sugar enhances the peaches without making the filling overly sweet. If your peaches are especially sweet, you may not need the additional sugar.

• Cornstarch - Helps thicken the peach juices as the galette bakes so the filling isn't overly runny.

• Fresh Lemon Juice - Adds just enough brightness to balance the natural sweetness of the peaches.

• Vanilla Extract - Adds a soft, familiar sweetness that complements the fresh fruit.

• Almond Extract - Just a small amount adds depth and pairs beautifully with peaches. You shouldn't immediately think, "This tastes like almond." It simply gives the filling a little something extra.

• Salt - A tiny pinch helps bring all of the flavors together.

• Refrigerated Pie Crust - The shortcut that makes this an easy summer dessert. No homemade pastry required.

• Egg - Brushed around the crust to give it that beautiful golden finish.

• Coarse Sugar - Optional, but lovely sprinkled around the crust for a little sparkle and crunch.

-- Equipment

You only need a few basics to make this galette:

• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Mixing bowl
• Sharp knife
• Pastry brush
• Cooling rack

My Go-To's

• Parchment paper - this promotes even baking and creates a non-stick surface
• Pastry brush - the easiest way to brush on the egg wash
• Baking sheet - a good sturdy baking sheet will last for years and promote even baking.  No warping here!

-- Let's Make It Together

Slice the peaches and gently toss them with the sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, vanilla, almond extract, and salt.

Unroll the pie crust directly onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and sprinkle a little sugar in the center. Arrange the peaches in a shallow layer, leaving a border around the edge.

Fold the dough over the peaches in loose pleats, brush the crust with egg wash, and sprinkle with coarse sugar if you'd like.

Bake until the crust is deeply golden and the peach juices are bubbling. Then give the galette at least 30 minutes to cool so those juices can thicken before slicing.

-- Perfecting the Baking Process

• Use Ripe but Firm Peaches - You want peaches that taste sweet and juicy but aren't so soft that they turn to mush when sliced. Slightly firm peaches will hold their shape better as the galette bakes.

• Keep the Filling Shallow - Arrange the peaches in a relatively shallow layer rather than piling them high. I shingled them in concentric circles starting 2 inches from the outside edge of the crust and working in toward the middle.  This helps the fruit cook evenly and allows the juices to bubble and thicken.

• Don't Skip the Sugar Under the Peaches - Sprinkling a little granulated sugar over the center of the dough creates a subtle layer between the crust and fruit. It's a small step that adds a little sweetness where the peaches meet the pastry.

• Watch the Crust - Start checking the galette around 30 minutes. If the crust is becoming too dark before the filling is finished, loosely cover the edges with foil.

• Let It Cool Before Slicing - This is important. The peach juices will continue thickening as the galette cools. Give it at least 30 minutes before slicing for a cleaner slice.

-- Add Your Touch

This recipe is intentionally simple, but there are a few ways you can change it up:

• Add a little more almond extract for a stronger almond flavor.
• Sprinkle sliced almonds over the peaches before baking.
• Add a handful of fresh raspberries or blueberries.
• Serve with vanilla ice cream.
• Add a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream.
• If you prefer a sweeter dessert, add the extra teaspoon of sugar to the peaches.

I'd avoid adding cinnamon or warm spices here—they would completely change the personality of this particular galette.

Set the Mood

Meals taste even better when the table feels inviting. Here are a few simple ways to set the mood for this recipe.

A Last Taste of Summer

There is something about late-summer peaches that makes me want to keep the recipe simple.

No cinnamon. No brown sugar. No heavy filling. Just ripe peaches with a little vanilla, a hint of almond, and a golden, flaky crust.

This Fresh Peach Galette – A Last Taste of Summer is exactly the kind of dessert I want to make while beautiful summer peaches are still around. It celebrates the fruit for what it is—and lets you enjoy one more sweet bite of summer before the season changes.

More Peach Recipes to Try

If you're as reluctant as I am to say goodbye to peach season, you might also enjoy:

🍑 Fresh Peach Almond Muffins — Tender, lightly sweetened muffins filled with juicy peaches and finished with crunchy almonds.

🍑 Peach Cucumber Salad with Citrus & Sumac — A vibrant salad with citrus, sumac, and herbs—refreshing, simple, and perfect for the summer-to-fall transition.

🍑 Sweet Peach Dutch Baby with Honey Laced Ricotta — A light and fluffy Dutch Baby pancake filled with juicy ripe peaches.

🍑 Sue's Deep Dish Georgia Peach Cobbler — A light and fluffy Dutch Baby pancake filled with juicy ripe peaches.

Before You Start

Do I need to peel the peaches?
No! That's one of the things I love about this recipe. The skins can stay right on, saving you the extra work of peeling them. They also add beautiful color and a little texture to the finished galette.

What kind of peaches work best?
Use ripe, fragrant peaches that are still firm enough to slice. Very soft or overly ripe peaches can release a lot of juice and become mushy during baking.

Can I use frozen peaches?
Fresh peaches are best for this recipe because they're really the star. Frozen peaches release more moisture and can make the filling wetter.

Why is there sugar under the peaches?
The light layer of sugar adds sweetness to the pastry and creates a little separation between the fruit and crust.

Can I make this with homemade pie dough?
Absolutely. A homemade pie crust would work beautifully if you prefer making your own pastry. The refrigerated crust simply keeps this recipe quick and easy.

How do I know when the galette is done?
The crust should be deeply golden and the peach juices should be visibly bubbling around the fruit.

Why should I let the galette cool before slicing?
The filling needs time to set. As the galette cools, the peach juices thicken, making it easier to slice and serve.

Orange Cardamom Zucchini Bread

This moist Orange Cardamom Zucchini Bread puts a bright summer twist on a classic with fresh orange zest, orange juice, and warm cardamom.

Orange Cardamom Zucchini Bread

Zucchini bread has always felt like a little piece of home to me.

Growing up, it was one of my mom's favorites. She made zucchini bread often, and hers was the classic Southern-style loaf flavored with warm cinnamon. It was the kind of quick bread that made the kitchen smell wonderful and never lasted very long.

I still love that classic version, but for summer, I wanted to take zucchini bread in a brighter direction.

Instead of cinnamon, I paired the mild, tender zucchini with fresh orange zest, orange juice, and a touch of cardamom. The orange brings a fresh citrusy flavor while the cardamom adds just enough warmth and depth without making the bread feel like a fall recipe.

The result is a moist, tender loaf that's lightly sweet, citrusy, and just a little unexpected.

It's lovely sliced for breakfast with a cup of hot tea, enjoyed as an afternoon snack, or served alongside fresh summer fruit. It's still zucchini bread at heart—just with a little California summer sunshine baked in.

Enjoy!

-- Ingredients

The ingredient list is simple, but each one has a purpose in creating the flavor and texture of this loaf.

• Fresh zucchini — Adds moisture and keeps the bread tender. There's no need to squeeze it completely dry.

• Canola oil — Keeps the bread moist and tender without adding a strong flavor. Vegetable or avocado oil are good substitutes.

• Granulated sugar — Provides balanced sweetness without making the loaf taste like cake.

• Eggs — Add structure and richness.

• Fresh orange zest — Brings concentrated orange flavor to the bread.

• Fresh orange juice — Adds additional citrus brightness and moisture.

• Vanilla extract — Rounds out the orange and cardamom flavors.

• All-purpose flour — Provides the structure for the loaf.

• Baking powder and baking soda — Work together to give the bread a light, tender rise.

• Salt — Balances the sweetness and enhances the other flavors.

• Ground cardamom — Adds a subtle floral, citrusy warmth that makes this zucchini bread distinctive.

-- Equipment

You'll only need a few basic kitchen tools:

• 9×5-inch loaf pan
• Box grater
• Large mixing bowl
• Medium mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Rubber spatula
• Microplane or fine grater for the orange zest
• Wire cooling rack

My Go-To's

• Loaf pan - this is my basic loaf pan, made in the USA, and it's a workhorse!
• Microplane - this is the best zester and Parmesan grater
• Box grater - another item I use constantly.  It has 3 grating sizes and a slicer which is great for charcuterie items and salads like zucchini and cucumber.  It's a very sturdy item.

-- Let's Make It Together

Start by shredding the zucchini and giving it a gentle squeeze to remove excess water. You want to keep some of that moisture for the bread.

Whisk the oil, sugar, eggs, orange zest, orange juice, and vanilla together. In a separate bowl, whisk the flour, leaveners, salt, and cardamom.

Add the dry ingredients to the wet and stir just until nearly combined. Gently fold in the zucchini, then transfer the batter to a prepared 9×5-inch loaf pan.

Bake at 350°F for about 50–60 minutes, checking the loaf around the 40-minute mark. If the top is browning too quickly, loosely tent it with foil.

Let it cool in the pan for about 15 minutes before transferring it to a rack to cool completely.

-- Perfecting the Baking Process

Don't Over-Squeeze the Zucchini - This is one of the most important details in the recipe. Zucchini contains a lot of water, and that moisture helps create the tender texture we want.  Give your shredded zucchini a gentle squeeze, but don't wring it completely dry.

Fresh Orange Makes a Difference - Use fresh orange zest and juice whenever possible. The zest contains concentrated citrus oils that provide much more orange flavor than juice alone.

Don't Overmix the Batter - Once the flour is added, stir just until the ingredients are almost incorporated. Fold in the zucchini gently and stop as soon as everything comes together.

Watch the Top Near the End - Quick breads can develop a beautifully golden top before the center is completely baked. Start checking the browning around 40 minutes. If it's getting too dark, loosely cover the loaf with foil and continue baking.

Let It Cool - It's tempting to slice into warm zucchini bread, but letting the loaf cool completely allows the crumb to set and makes it much easier to slice neatly.

-- Add Your Touch

There are a few easy ways to personalize this loaf:

• Add a simple orange glaze made with powdered sugar and fresh orange juice for a sweeter finish.
• Fold in a small handful of chopped pecans or pistachios for crunch.
• Sprinkle sliced almonds over the top before baking for a subtle nutty finish.
• For a more traditional version, replace the cardamom with cinnamon.

Set the Mood

Part of the joy of cooking is creating a little moment around the meal. Here are a few simple ways to set the mood when serving this dish.

A Bright Take on a Family Classic

Mom's cinnamon zucchini bread will always be the version that started it all, but I love how a simple change in flavor can make a familiar recipe feel completely different.

Orange and cardamom turn this classic quick bread into something bright enough for summer, while the zucchini keeps the loaf wonderfully moist and tender.

It's a little nod to Mom, with a fresh twist of my own.

Want to try my mom's Southern-style version of zucchini bread? See her classic cinnamon zucchini bread recipe → Mom's Old Fashioned Country Zucchini Bread

Before You Start

Should I peel the zucchini?
No. The peel is tender and adds a little color to the loaf. Simply wash the zucchini well before shredding.

How much should I squeeze the zucchini?
Just enough to remove obvious excess water. Don't wring it completely dry. The remaining moisture helps keep the bread tender.

Can I use bottled orange juice?
Fresh orange juice is preferable here because you're already using the zest, and fresh juice gives the bread a brighter flavor.

Can I substitute cinnamon for cardamom?
Absolutely. Cinnamon will give you a more traditional zucchini bread flavor. Use the same amount of ground cinnamon.

How do I know when the bread is done?
Insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf. It should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached. If you see wet batter, continue baking and check again after a few minutes.

How should I store zucchini bread?
Once completely cooled, wrap the loaf or place it in an airtight container. It can be kept at room temperature for a couple of days or refrigerated for longer storage.

Fresh Peach Almond Muffins

These tender peach almond muffins are filled with juicy fresh peaches, vanilla and almond, then finished with crunchy sliced almonds for an easy summer bake.

Fresh Peach Almond Muffins

I can't seem to resist the summer peaches this year.  

When I get the best peaches, I don't want to do too much to them. They're sweet, juicy, and full of flavor all on their own, so sometimes the best recipes are the ones that simply let the fruit shine.

That's exactly what I wanted with these Fresh Peach Almond Muffins.

They're tender and lightly sweetened, with little pieces of juicy peach tucked throughout the vanilla-almond muffin. A sprinkle of sliced almonds on top adds a little crunch, while just a touch of almond extract gives the peaches an extra layer of flavor without overpowering them.

And these aren't those overly sweet muffins that could almost pass for cupcakes. The peach really comes through.

They're perfect with a cup of hot tea in the morning, as an afternoon snack, or tucked into a basket for a summer brunch. If you've got good peaches right now, this is a simple way to make them the star of the show.

Enjoy!

Ingredients

These muffins keep things simple so the fresh peaches can take center stage. Vanilla and almond add a subtle layer of flavor, while sliced almonds give the tender muffins a little crunch.

For the Muffins

• Egg – Provides structure and helps create a tender crumb.
• 2% milk – Adds moisture and keeps the muffins soft.
• Canola oil – Helps create a moist, tender texture without adding a strong flavor.
• All-purpose flour – The foundation of the muffin batter.
• Granulated sugar – Adds just enough sweetness to complement the peaches without making the muffins overly sweet.
• Baking powder – Gives the muffins their lift and helps create those nicely rounded tops.
• Salt – Balances the sweetness and brings out the peach and almond flavors.
• Almond extract – Adds a delicate almond flavor that pairs beautifully with fresh peaches.
• Vanilla extract – Rounds out the flavors and adds warmth.
• Fresh ripe peach – The star of the recipe. Dice it into small pieces so the peach is distributed throughout every bite.
• Sliced almonds – Adds a little crunch inside the muffins.

For the Tops

• Sliced almonds – Creates a golden, crunchy topping.
• Coarse or turbinado sugar – Optional, but adds a subtle sparkle and delicate crunch to the tops.

Equipment

You don't need any special equipment for these muffins—just a muffin pan, a couple of mixing bowls, and a good knife for dicing the peach.

You'll Need

• 12-cup muffin pan
• 6 paper muffin liners
• Two medium mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Rubber spatula or wooden spoon
• Chef's knife
• Cutting board
• Wire cooling rack

My Go-To's

• 12-Cup Muffin Pan – A sturdy muffin pan helps the muffins bake evenly and develop nicely rounded tops.
• Rubber Spatula – Perfect for gently folding the peaches into the batter without overmixing.
• Wire Cooling Rack – Helps the muffins cool without becoming soggy underneath. 

Let's Make It Together

These muffins are wonderfully simple.

Start by lining every other cup of a muffin pan with six liners. Whisk together the wet ingredients in one bowl and the dry ingredients in another.

Combine the two just until the batter comes together, then gently fold in the diced peaches and almonds.

Divide the batter between the six prepared cups, top with more almonds and a sprinkle of coarse sugar, and bake at 425°F for 5 minutes. Without opening the oven, reduce the temperature to 375°F and continue baking until the muffins are lightly golden and cooked through.

Let them cool for a few minutes before transferring them to a rack.

The result? Tender, peach-filled muffins with crisp almond edges and just the right amount of sweetness.

Perfecting the Baking Process

• Start With a Good Peach - Since peach is the main flavor, use a ripe, flavorful peach. It should be fragrant and give slightly when gently pressed.
• Dice the Peach Small - Cut the peach into roughly ¼-inch pieces. Smaller pieces distribute throughout the batter and give you a little peach in nearly every bite.
• Pat Very Juicy Peaches Dry - If your peach is exceptionally juicy, gently blot the diced pieces with a paper towel before adding them to the batter. This helps keep excess moisture from affecting the texture.
• Don't Overmix - Once the dry ingredients meet the wet ingredients, stir just until combined. A few small streaks of flour are better than overworked batter.
• Don't Skip the Temperature Change - The initial 425°F bake helps create the rise and domed tops. Reducing the oven to 375°F allows the muffins to finish baking without becoming overly dark.

Add Your Touch

These muffins are delicious as written, but there are a few easy ways to change them up:

• Add a light drizzle of vanilla glaze after the muffins cool.
• Substitute nectarines for the peaches.
• Add a pinch of ground cinnamon for a warmer flavor.
• Fold in a few white chocolate chips for a sweeter version.
• Add a little lemon zest to brighten the peach flavor.
• Swap the almonds for chopped pecans for a more Southern-inspired variation.

For this particular recipe, though, I'd keep the additions restrained. The simplicity is part of what makes the peaches stand out.

Set the Mood

Food is about more than just the recipe—it’s about the moment around the table. Here are a few simple ideas to set the mood when you serve this dish.

A Little Taste of Summer

There's something special about recipes that don't need much fuss to be good. When summer peaches are ripe and juicy, they don't need a lot of help—they just need the right supporting cast.

The combination of peach, vanilla, and almond does exactly that here.

If you're enjoying summer produce while it's still at its best, you might also like:

• Summer Peach & Burrata Salad with Mint & Balsamic Glaze
• Tropical Blueberry Coconut Lime Muffins
• Honeyed Fig Crostini with Cinnamon-Cardamom Mascarpone
• Fresh Summer Tomato Bruschetta with Mozzarella & Basil
• Summer Cucumber-Honeydew Salad with Grilled Chicken & Feta

Before You Start

Can I use frozen peaches?
Fresh peaches are best for this recipe because they're the star, but frozen peaches can work in a pinch. Thaw them completely and drain or gently pat them dry before dicing.

Do I need to peel the peach?
No. You can peel it if you prefer, but the skin is perfectly fine to leave on. If the peach skin is particularly tough, peeling will give you a more uniform texture.

Why do you bake the muffins at two temperatures?
The initial high-temperature bake helps the muffins rise quickly and develop their rounded tops. Reducing the temperature after five minutes allows them to finish baking more gently.

Can I make more than six muffins?
Yes, but I specifically like this recipe as a small batch. If you want to make a larger quantity, the ingredients can be doubled to make 12 muffins.

How should I store them?
Store cooled muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate or freeze them.