I write this sitting at my son’s soccer practice. I figured I would utilise this time to do something productive because lately, I seem to have no time to devote to my site. I am very sad that my schedule has been, so brutally, upset.
I enjoy my site and I enjoy the ‘me’ time I devote to it. It’s the only ‘me’ time I get and I treasure it. I love planning the recipes I will share, I enjoy (sometimes) setting up the paraphernalia to photograph the end product and I enjoy writing. However, what I thoroughly enjoy is what my blogosphere friends have been up to and the comments they share.
It never ceases to amaze me that some of my blog friends, friends I have never met, take the time to write such thoughtful comments and share such great insights. I know they read so many blogs but to take the time and personalise each comment; I admire that greatly. So, to think that I may miss out on my weekly conversation with them is saddening. Life is so busy that a comment from a friend is sometimes all the conversation I can have during the day or even the week. So, my blog is important to me, and the fact that I can’t seem to dedicate time to it, is now frustrating and infuriating me!
Today however, before life got really hectic, I took some time to accept a lunch invitation and chill for a bit. I almost didn’t because of the impending doom of unfinished chores and errands but I decided that this was way more important, especially for my sanity!
I dropped all my children to school, told my uni student she needed to figure out her own way to the college (she rode her bike!!), headed off to find a coffee roaster that I discovered online that was on the way to my friend’s house. Since I was a bit early, and I hadn’t had my coffee this morning (hubby’s on a work trip so I did the morning school run too), I searched for a proper coffee shop and not the usual green siren that tempts the poor, uninitiated, frou frou coffee drinker with her mediocre brew and exorbitant prices. What a find this place turned out to be! I am ecstatic because it’s so close to me and they roast their own coffee from small Fair Trade farms and they have a retail shop to sit and enjoy.
I am hoping to go back and try more of their coffee and maybe write a piece on them. They were so nice and the guy behind the counter was thrilled to tell me about the farms and their suppliers. Coffee people, we’re so nice and friendly and readily available to impart our knowledge of coffee beans! I ordered a large cappuccino, that came complete with coffee art, and a pound bag of some Guatemala coffee beans. Can’t wait to dig into that bag. So, if anyone is around the Denver area, specifically Lafayette, check out Proper Grounds Coffee Roasters.
So, today’s recipe has been in the works for weeks. I’ve gone through multiple batches of fresh, Western Slope peaches but all the ideas just never materialised. There was fresh peach ice cream, a no show, a peach crostata, never made it, a peach crumble, peach flaugnarde….and so on. Finally, enough was enough, I set out some time and made these Peach and Blueberry Crisps; nothing new or fancy, but they are gluten free and delicious, and they use beautiful, Colorado fresh peaches.
I am using coconut flour to replace regular flour but not everyone, unless you’re on a Paleo Diet, will have coconut flour. This can be Paleo if you replace the raw sugar with raw coconut sugar. To make these gluten free without coconut flour, just substitute a GF flour or a gluten version with regular flour.
Prep time:
Cook time:
Total time:
Serves: 6
Calories: 2882
Fat: 186g
- 1 cup/120g almond flour
- ½ cup/65g coconut flour
- ¼ cup/55g raw Turbinado/Demerara sugar
- ½ cup/70g almonds, slivered or chopped
- ½ cup/113g butter, chilled and in small cubes
- 5 peaches, sliced (I left the skins on)
- 6 oz punnet blueberries
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons raw sugar, Turbinado or Demerara
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Toss the almond flour/ground almonds, coconut flour and the Turbinado sugar together.
- Add the butter cubes and blend in roughly into thick streusel like crumbs.
- Add the slivered almonds and mix.
- Toss the peaches with the sugar, cinnamon and add the vanilla.
- Divide between 6 ramekins and add blueberries to each.
- Cover each ramekin with the streusel mix.
- Bake at 325℉/160℃ for 30/40 minutes until brown on top and juices are bubbling.
- Serve with a dollop of cream or a scoop of ice cream.
A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream is the only other thing you need, and maybe a spoon.
I made the time to bake these but I wasn’t afforded any time to photograph them properly, so please excuse the mediocre photos. Lots of negotiations being made in the Coffee and Crumpets kitchen lately!
Hope to see you all at your sites very soon. Hope you are having a great week thus far. Laith’s soccer games start this Saturday, there goes my baking day……
Hi Nazneen, I recently came across your blog and love it! Thanks a lot for your recommendation for Proper Grounds – I went there earlier this week and was in coffee heaven. I would never have guessed such a gem was smack in the middle of my commute.
Hi Fatima! Thanks for letting me know! I am so glad you found the coffee shop, it’s great isn’t it?
Blogging is therapeutic but sometimes, you need a little break and be back, rejuvenated. I could drown my blogging sorrows into this delicious crisps. With ice cream please 😀
Kiran @ KiranTarun.com recently posted..Mango Chicken
Thanks Kiran, blogging is great when you have time and patient kids!
This is my first time here and I had to comment on this post!! I love the combination of peaches and blueberries which I only discovered this summer. Love this post very much. Blogging takes a lot of time especially when you have such a busy life. I struggle with finding time myself to fit it all in. I hope you will be more lenient on yourself and know that when you have the time, this space will always be your space. I’ll definitely be a comeback follower. Love your blog!
Zainab @ Blahnik Baker recently posted..Coconut Almond Cream Cake
Thank you Zainab! Thanks for visiting, and for your kind words! I appreciate, and look forward to seeing you again.
People seem to think blogging is a breeze…no sir! I’m glad we can all forge together and celebrate with food (because WE know) =)
The Squishy Monster recently posted..Weekend Bits
Yes, we do! I guess they think its easy and that’s why we see so many start up, but then they realise ow much work it is!
I have been having the same scheduling problems. In fact, I haven’t been round to blog reading for about a week now, that makes me sad actually. I find visiting other’s blogs so inspiring, the recipes, the photographs, the food props are all so beautiful. I am working more full time now, so it definitely is putting a damper on things. But.. on a positive note.. I made it here:D And I got to see your gorgeous peach dessert! It can be adapted so easily for many diets.. I’m lucky I can just use almond flour or regular flour, no dietary restrictions in our home thankfully! It looks luscious! xx
Barbara Bamber | justasmidgen recently posted..Big Batch Go-To Tomato Sauce with Turkey Meatballs
I agree with you Barbara. It is fun and inspiring reading other blogs and watching them put different spins on things. It’s also sad when you can’t do it! I am glad that there are many in the same situation as me, makes me feel a little better 🙂
😀
Barbara Bamber | justasmidgen recently posted..A Class of Students | A Clutch of Wings
Blogging becomes difficult at times when you work. But as you say this is the only space to call mine & now become a part of me. Take it with your own pace.
Btw, peach & blueberry crisp looks delicious.
Huma recently posted..Zunka Bhakar/ Besan/ Thalipeet.
Thanks Huma and thanks for stopping by!
Hi Nazneen! Oh this will be my favorite crisp using my favorite fruits blueberries and peach! It’s actually amazing how much “me time” goes into blogging, and still not having enough. I gave up on my TV time already but I didn’t mind at all. 🙂 So happy to hear all the food bloggers are going through similar experiences.
Nami | Just One Cookbook recently posted..How To Make Bento
Thanks Nami! I know, I’ve given up a lot of my TV time too, but I record my shows and catch them while I’m eating lunch or something. But sitting down and watching a show, it’s impossible lately. If it wasn’t for my IPad, I couldn’t read other blogs on the go or even type up my own! Thank goodness for technology!!
Sorry to hear about your challenging schedule but I’m glad you’ve found a way to make the most of what time you have. My son has after school swimming lessons on Tuesday’s and Thursday’s. While he’s in the pool (and then taking FOREVER in the change room), I get on instagram and twitter and try to read blogs (prefer to read blogs on my lap top though rather than the i-phone as it’s so much easier to comment). So that’s one place I’ve found to snatch a few precious minutes. Your blueberry crisp looks lovely and you photographed it beautifully xx
Hotly Spiced recently posted..North Sydney Cellars
I find it impossible to read and comment on the iPhone! I’ve done it but with difficulty, so if you find huge typos in my comments, I was reading it in my iPhone! Life does make blogging very challenging. For me right now it’s the total upset of my schedule that’s got me reeling.
Blogging is hard to fit in, isn’t it? Especially when one works and has kids on top of it! I can relate. I think you have a lot going on so give yourself a break!
The blueberry crisp looks delicious.
Ameena recently posted..a train ride
I say that to myself all the time, just give it a break, but like I said, it’s my “me time”! I like to ccok and bake for it and photograph it, it’s all part of the therapy! And cheaper than a therapist!!
Life has a way of messing up our plans, doesn’t it? When all else fails, I just schedule stuff – once I’ve written down that I’m going to do something at a certain time, I’m actually pretty good at keeping to it (and refusing conflicting demands on my time). Anyway, lovely crisp. We still are getting so many great peaches, and haven’t made a crisp in ages. We should try this – it looks wonderful. Thanks.
john@kitchenriffs recently posted..The Alaska Cocktail
You are way more organised than me John! I know I really should have posts ready to go and scheduled, but I don’t. I have recipes down and photos taken but they are not compiled into a post. I am a terrible procrastinator which is amazing because I am so organised otherwise!
You spoke my mind, Nazneen. Blogging is the only me time I have but the summer was so hectic that I hardly had any. Hope you find a way to integrate the much needed “me” time in back to your schedule.
The crisp has fantastic pairs of fruits and looks delicious.
Lail | With A Spin recently posted..Protein Rich Split Pea Fudge – Chana Dal Barfi
Thanks Lail! Hope things have settled down for you.
Thats what I love too, the interaction with other people who you really start to see as your friends even if you have never met them. That’s why I couldnt stay away. Lovely dessert.
*kisses* H
And I am glad you didn’t stay away! It’s so nice to have you back, besides we’re great support at times of need! xxxx
peaches and blueberries together in a beautifully golden crisp……lovely,comforting and perfect after dinner dessert for us,this crisp looks beautiful,thanks for sharing 🙂
Kumar’s Kitchen recently posted..Colorful Carrot & Yogurt Dip:It Is All About What You C…:-)
Thanks Kumar!
I cannot wait for peach season – I adore peaches and nectarines (and blueberries for that matter). The difficulty for me is finding the strength to restrain myself from devouring them fresh so that they last long enough to cook with!
Sounds like you had a fabulous find with your coffee shop! My mornings are usually spent in a line at http://lonsdalestreetroasters.com/ waiting for my morning coffee (if I haven’t made it myself, from beans purchased from said coffee shop). They do all their own roasting on site too, and the coffee is always brilliant!
Your photographs are beautiful, even if they were taken in a hurry – we are always our own worst critics!!
Jas@AbsolutelyJas recently posted..All the Little Fishies
That’s been our problem, we keep eating all the peaches before I can even come up with a plan! They are so good when ripe and at their peak. Does Australia grow peaches or are they imported for you? Yes, my coffe shop is a keeper! We have many roasters here but their not so close to me to be local. This one is fairly close, not down the road though, but not too bad. Most importantly, the coffee was great!
We grow them 🙂 There’s not much in the way of fruit that we don’t grow here, but some of the more exotic tropical fruits (like sapote and soursop) don’t transport well so we can’t get them all over the country, just up north!
Ooooh, you guys get sapote? I love those. We can’t find them here easily, sometimes the Asian store will have them or the Hispanic store. I haven’t had one in ages. It’s nice to know Australia is self sufficient. You guys are truly local then.
Hats off Nazneen……so beautifully photographed!!! I love the crisp and I am in love with your ramekins 😀
Minnie@thelady8home recently posted..Weekend Gala Dinner Extravaganza #14
Thanks for the sweet words Minnie!
Your photos of this delicious recipe are so professional my friend, so much lovely flavour seeping out 😀
Cheers
CCU
CCU recently posted..CCU Undercover: Tem Ichi Restaurant (Teppanyaki)
Thanks Uru, you are always so sweet xx
How much do we moms relate to what you wrote, a lot. We all need some sane time, I’m glad you did my dear.
It’s so nice that you’ve given so many options for the crisp, looks heavenly. Ghosh, I am so scared, I would eat all the topping and pass the fruits to the kids:) and oh, the pictures look delicious.
Ash-foodfashionparty recently posted..SPINACH PAKODI KADHI with roasted garlic- GUEST POST
Your comment made me chuckle Asha, I am so guilty of doing that too! But they’re old enough to know better now! I usually just double the topping!
I, too, had Big Plans for peach season, Nazneen, and none were realized. Last year I made a peach & cherry cobbler and, at the time, I thought I’d experiment this year using blueberries instead of the cherries. Lo and behold! You’ve done the experimentation for me. Now, I’ll just follow your lead and I’ll be rewarded with an incredible dessert. Thank you for sharing and I hope that once your kids get settled into their school routines, you’ll have a little bit more “me” time.
ChgoJohn recently posted..Peanut Butter for Your Pupster
Thanks John! It really bugs me when I can’t do what I have planned to do. I feel frustration and just loss of control and if I don’t have that, I feel unbalanced and uncertain, and grumpy!
Nazneen, I felt like you are speaking my mind. If I had known how much time and energy goes in food blogging I am not sure if I would have started one. But as you said this is the only ‘me’ time you get and like you I too enjoy this time and blogs at my own pace.
The crisp looks great! Peaches and blueberries are the best together and the topping.. wow… I have to try with coconut flour.
Balvinder recently posted..Quinoa Salad with Beans, Roasted Corn and Vegetables
Thanks Bal. I always knew it would be hard work and time consuming and so thought long and hard before I started. But it is mine, the one thing that is all mine and I cherish it. It’s hard to not devote time to it regularly and with passion,
It’s great that you still find time to cook and blog. I also feel that way at times when life seems to be attacking me so I know how you feel. Hang in there and hugs to you.
I love this Peach and Blueberry Crisp and I also love Guatemala coffee!
Peachy @ The Peach Kitchen recently posted..Hasselback Potatoes with Basil Pesto
Thanks Peachy! Isn’t Guatemala coffee great?
I would be lost now, without my blog so I really do empathise with your very busy schedule. These peach and blueberry crisps look lovely, but tell me, what’s a peach flag are? GG xx
glamorous glutton recently posted..Moose Maple Butter And Walnut Squares
It’s funny how it becomes a part of us so quickly! Do you mean the peach flaugnarde? It’s a clafoutis but only cherry clafoutis can be called a clafoutis, everything else is a flaugnarde!
Those look delicious. I love your pictures. They look so artistic!
Thank you Kat! You made my day with your sweet comment!
I think that your pics are great, Nazneen! And the fruit crisp is simple yet fantastic. I’d be very happy to sit with you and eat more than one of these crisps — with or without a cup of coffee.
Denise Browning@From Brazil To You recently posted..Eggless Avocado Mousse (Mousse de Abacate)…An ASAP favorite!
Thanks Denise!
I know what you mean Nazneen. There are days when the only communication I have apart from family at home is through the blog. Its amazing how you mange to dish out such wonderful recipes despite a busy schedule. Peaches and blueberries are a fantastic combination and the crisp looks delicious (by no means ‘mediocre’). And I will share the feedback on the coffee outlet with my brother:-)
Sugar et al recently posted..Gluten Free Bittersweet Chocolate Chunk and Pecan Torte
Thanks Sonali! I am glad I am not alone in this. Does your brother live close to Layayette? It might be a drive for him if he’s in Denver. I know there are some great roasters in Denver.