Candied Maple Pecan Grilled Peaches + Vanilla Bean Coconut Whipped Cream

This first thought that comes to mind whenever I’m asked what my favorite seasonal fruit is, grilled peaches. Nothing compares to locally grown, fresh yellow peaches in the summertime. Something about stone fruits in the hot months brings me so much happiness. Especially when it’s super ripe and grilled, preferably outside and over a fire pit. We actually made a ton of grilled stone fruits (peaches, plums, apricots) when I was in Portland and with a drizzle of agave or maple syrup, they’re perfection! Sugar on sugar might scare some of you, trust me though, just a light drizzle really sets off the grilled fruit. A touch of mint or ginger sugar takes it even further.

Today I’m sharing a simple recipe that tastes like the best idea ever. Ripe, grilled peaches with a dollop of coconut whipped cream and topped with candied maple pecans. Of course I had to add some vanilla bean powder to the coco whip for even more flavor. The candied pecans aren’t your traditional recipe either. I actually mixed everything together and baked until gooey, like a rich caramel sauce. Then left them to cool until hardened, if you can wait that long. I totally stole a few in the cooling process though.

Not my best batch of coconut whipped cream, but I can assure you it comes out light and fluffy if you use a mixer. I went with the mason jar method and shook it until mixed evenly, alas it’s faster and less messy but does not yield the best result. So take it from me, use a blender or hand mixer to make your whipped cream. You also need to make sure you’re using full fat coconut milk, that’s been refrigerated overnight. This way the fat hardens and that’s what you use to whip and create a thick cream. Save that liquid for smoothies or baked goods. Only scrape out the hardened milk. Mix with your sweetener of choice, to your desired level of sweetness and if you want to take it even further, add in an essential oil or extract. You could even have fun and add beet juice powder to make a hot pink coco whip! I personally have made this with almond, mint and vanilla extract, all of which are wonderful depending on what you accompany it with. I recommend playing around and testing out different combos. You could even use it as a base for a coconut cream pie, adding dates to thicken it up and naturally sweeten it. But I digress, make your coconut whip and add it to everything! Perfect for topping creamy smoothies, fresh fruit or eating straight off the spoon, my preferred method of consumption.

This recipe was sponsored by Simple Truth and is free from 101 artificial preservatives and additives most commonly used. Available exclusively at the Kroger® Co. Family of Stores.