Last week, a friend asked if I wanted to join her and her husband for peach picking at a local orchard. Sometimes it's easy to over think things. I start processing what I need to bring, how accommodating the terrain will be for a stroller etc...etc...etc. It's easier if I just commit to something and wing it. I am starting to go more with the flow and realizing Abigail can float along just fine. I called a friend who's daughter is about 6 months older than mine...and eating most foods. I asked if she knew whether or not peaches were considered a safe food for one of her firsts. She just warned that peaches are considered to have one of the least protective barriers when it comes to pesticides and sprays, something I wouldn't want Abigail to be ingesting as she is discovering new foods. Good to know.

It turned out to be a b-e-a-utiful day!!  It was a short 15 minute drive there. I brought along the jogging stroller knowing we'd be mostly on grass and it would be forgiving of most bumps in the field. When we checked in, I was thrilled to find out that NO pesticides are put on the fruit they allow to be picked. Excellent! We hopped on the back of a farming truck, lifted the stroller on, and were driven up to the rows from which we could select our peaches. I had never been orchard picking before.  Though a little buggy, it was such a neat experience, and felt good to know I was hand selecting something that my family would be eating later. As for Abigail, she always enjoys new scenery and being outdoors when the weather is comfortable.

While waiting for the truck to bring us back to the main entrance, I asked one of the employees how to preserve the peaches in order for me to be able to give them to my daughter in a few weeks. She suggested blanching them by putting them in boiling water for about half a minute and then transfer them to a bowl of cold water. She said with little effort, I should be able to peel the skins right off.

When we got home, that is exactly what I did, and it worked great!  I took a portion of the peaches, blanched them, peeled them, and cut off large sections avoiding the pit. I then put small amounts in zip lock bags and placed the bags into the freezer.

Abigail started her cereal this week. I am looking forward to introducing her first fruits one at a time. I am glad to know that when it's the peach's turn for her taste buds, I will have fresh ones in the freezer ready to puree. As we know once they go out of season, the prices in the stores sky rocket. It was money well spent.

As for heading to the orchard...I will definitely be going again. It was a great experience...just being outside in the fresh air...a break from life's hustle and bustle...with nothing but rolling hills within your view.

(*Suggested to use frozen peaches within 3 months, unless in a deep freezer where they last longer.)