I had some peaches so searched through my hundred-year-old cookbooks for a recipe that called for them, and found a winner. The recipe was called Peach Salad – though I actually would consider it a dessert rather than a salad.
This recipe is easy to make and tasty. The peaches are halved and the cavities filled with a whipped cream and chopped walnut mixture. The peaches are then put back together and topped with additional whipped cream and nuts. The Peach Salad makes a perfect dessert on a hot summer day.
When I served the Peach Salad, I provided both a fork and a knife. The peach could then be cut into several pieces, which made it easier to eat.
Here’s the original recipe:
I did not list “preserved peaches” as an option for this recipe. In my opinion, fresh peaches are the way to go. The old recipe call for “nuts.” I used walnuts.
And, I can’t quite picture this recipe with a candied fruit garnish, so when I updated the recipe I did not include the option of garnishing with candied fruit.. (I’m not even sure where to buy candied fruit in the summer. It seems more like an ingredient that I see in December when people are doing Christmas baking.)
Here’s the recipe updated for modern cooks:
Peach Salad (Dessert)
4 peaches
1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
2 tablespoons confectioners sugar
2 tablespoons walnuts, chopped + additional chopped walnuts for garnish
Place the whipping cream in a bowl and beat until stiff peaks form. Add confectioners sugar, and continue beating until thoroughly mixed. Stir in 2 tablespoons chopped walnuts.
Cut each peach in half and remove stone. Place whipped cream and chopped nut mixture in the cavities and put the peaches back together. Top with additional whipped cream mixture. Garnish with additional chopped nuts.
A Hundred Years Ago 
What a beautiful recipe this is, Sheryl, and a wonderful way to celebrate the summer peach. Yum.
Simple, but such a pretty little dessert and just right on a hot summer day.
I wonder why they thought it important to put the peach back together? It seems as if it would be prettier with just the halves showing the cream and nuts. Maybe it was meant to be a “peach surprise.” It does sound like exactly what I would want to eat–I have 2 peaches, whipping cream, and pecans. I think I know what I will make for dinner!
I had the same thought, although it is pretty standing up with the little puff on top. Let’s just get to the eating is my thought!
🙂
This is a great summer recipe – cool and refreshing and so easy to make! A great discovery!
Hmm I can see how bits of candied ginger will add an interesting contrast to this recipe…Can’t wait to harvest this year’s ginger to try!
Sounds like summer!! And I bet it tastes like summer too!
This sounds so cool and refreshing for the summer!
Beautiful recipe!