The Real Chic Life

I’m excited to announce that the winner of our Nordstrom summer capsule giveaway is Gina Ferrell! Please email therealchiclife@gmail.com to claim your prize. Thank you to everyone who entered, we’ll be announcing our next monthly subscriber giveaway on Tuesday!

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While we’re enjoying Jam Girl Summer, this is the perfect time to lean into peach season. Their floral aroma and sun-drenched flavor capture everything we love about summer. But peach season is fleeting, making it the perfect opportunity to slow down, savor the moment, and create memories rooted in intentional living. Peach season typically runs from late May to September, but peak season (when peaches are sweetest and juiciest) usually happens in July and August. Before the last of these juicy gems disappear, here’s how to savor peach season.

1. Buy Peaches at Their Peak

Nothing beats the flavor of perfectly ripe, locally grown peaches. For the best taste:

• Shop Farmers’ Markets – Freshly picked peaches are often more flavorful than supermarket finds.

• Look for Gentle Fragrance – A ripe peach should smell sweet and floral.

• Check the Skin – Look for deep golden or pink hues without green spots, which signal underripeness.

2. Elevate Your Peach Recipes

Peaches are versatile and pair beautifully with both sweet and savory dishes. Try these easy recipes:

Peach & Burrata Salad (10 minutes)

• Ingredients: 2 ripe peaches (sliced), fresh burrata, arugula, honey, olive oil, flaky salt

• Instructions: Arrange arugula on a plate, top with burrata and peach slices. Drizzle with honey and olive oil, finish with a pinch of salt.

Sparkling Peach Iced Tea (15 minutes)

• Ingredients: 2 fresh peaches (sliced), 2 cups brewed tea (chilled), sparkling water, fresh mint

• Instructions: Muddle peach slices in a glass, pour in chilled tea, top with sparkling water, and garnish with mint.

Rustic Peach Galette (40 minutes)

• Ingredients: Store-bought pie crust, 3–4 sliced peaches, 2 tbsp sugar, 1 tsp lemon juice, 1 tbsp butter

• Instructions: Arrange peach slices on rolled-out crust, sprinkle with sugar and lemon juice. Fold edges over slightly, dot with butter. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for ~30 min until golden.

3. Bring Peach Season Into Your Home

You don’t have to stop at eating them—let peaches inspire your cozy summer décor:

• A bowl of ripe peaches on a kitchen counter adds a Tuscan farmhouse feel.

• Peach-toned flowers (like dahlias or ranunculus) create soft, romantic arrangements.

• Light a peach-scented candle to fill your home with juicy, sun-drenched aroma.

4. Preserve Summer’s Sweetness

Peach season is short, but you can extend it with a little preparation:

• Freeze fresh slices for smoothies or winter desserts

• Sun-dry peach slices for healthy snacks

• Make a small-batch peach jam to enjoy on toast throughout the year:

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Easy Homemade Peach Jam (No Pectin)

Ingredients

• 2 lbs (about 6 medium) ripe peaches

• 1 cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste)

• Juice of 1 lemon

• 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Peaches:

• Peel (optional), pit, and chop the peaches into small chunks.

• For a rustic texture, leave the skins on; they soften and add color.

2. Cook the Jam:

• In a medium saucepan, combine peaches, sugar, and lemon juice.

• Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until sugar dissolves and peaches release their juices (~10 min).

3. Mash or Blend:

• Use a potato masher for a chunky jam or an immersion blender for a smoother texture.

4. Simmer and Thicken:

• Continue cooking for 20–25 minutes, stirring often, until the mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon.

5. Add Vanilla (Optional):

• Stir in vanilla extract for a warm, dessert-like flavor.

6. Store:

• Let cool slightly, then transfer to clean jars.

• Refrigerate for up to 3 weeks or freeze for up to 6 months.

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5. Host a Cozy Peach-Themed Gathering

Gather friends for a laid-back evening inspired by the fruit of the season:

• Serve peach cocktails

• Set a rustic outdoor table with linen napkins and fresh peach centerpieces

• End the night with grilled peaches topped with ice cream

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Peach season is as fleeting as a warm summer breeze—but with a little intention, you can savor every bite and bottle up that cozy, sunlit feeling to carry into fall. Whether you’re baking, preserving, or simply enjoying a fresh peach on your porch, let this golden fruit inspire moments of simple luxury.

Xo,

Courtney