Amish Peach Custard Dessert... (2024)

By Kevin Williams

This is one of these refreshing summer desserts that I'm always good at "discovering" when I visit an Amish farmhouse. This is one I found at an Amish home once. Delicious, refreshing dessert.

My parents, usually once a year, order in some peaches from South Carolina where the crop seems especially juicy and sweet. Ohio isn't a huge peach state, but I sure like peaches. Here are some tips from the Ohio State University extension agency on selection and storage:

Selection

There are many varieties of peaches, and except for a few, most varieties are not easy to tell apart. For variety recommendations, contact your local OSU Extension office. Here are some tips for choosing high quality peach fruits:

• The reddish "bloom" on the peach is not a sure sign the peach has been picked at its prime. Instead, look at the undercolor, which should be a deep yellow or creamy white; green indicates immaturity.
• Peaches should be firm to the touch and never hard. Peaches that are hard and green are immature and will never ripen properly. A mature peach will yield to gentle hand pressure.
• Never squeeze a peach; it will easily bruise.
• Avoid over-ripe, bruised, or wrinkled peaches. They will quickly decay.

Storage

• The best way to ripen peaches is to place them in a single layer in a loosely closed paper bag or ripening dish at room temperature for a day or two days. Never "stack" peaches as the bottom ones will bruise.
• Store ripe peaches in the refrigerator for up to a week.
• When ready to eat, leave the peach out of the refrigerator for about an hour. Allowing the peach to come to room temperature enhances the flavor.
• Rinse peaches just before eating with cool, running water.
• If your recipe calls for skinned peaches, dip in boiling water for 30–60 seconds, plunge into cold water and slip off the skins. Use immediately or toss with citrus juice or a commercial ascorbic acid mixture to prevent darkening. Place in a covered bowl in the refrigerator until ready for use.

Okay, here is the recipe for the peach custard dessert:

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