Ripe peaches are the stuff of daydreams, but their splendid sweetness is\u00a0as fleeting as the summer season.\u00a0So, when\u00a0fresh\u00a0peaches are plentiful, show them off on a cheese plate\u2014for pointers, we looked to Georgia, of course.<\/p>\n
Mary Mayer, owner of\u00a0Cheeses & Mary<\/a> in Milton, Ga., shares picks that are peachy indeed. Inspired to share the stories of the people behind the products, Mayer reaches for Georgia-made whenever possible and works directly with producers instead of through distributors. \u201cCheeses & Mary is less about following trends, and more about relationships,\u201d she says.\u00a0\u201cThe shop is tiny\u201d\u2014it offers about 30 cheeses\u2014\u201cbut my passion is great.\u201d<\/p>\n For Mayer, peaches are prime for pairing,\u00a0boasting\u00a0a versatility that shines with a range of flavors: \u201cYou can grill them, marinate them, bake them\u2014but\u00a0just-picked has no peer!\u201d Here, make the most of the sweet summer treat with preparations sour, boozy, jammy, and fresh.<\/p>\n Pickled with cinnamon and red pepper and served chilled,\u00a0<\/span><\/span>these\u00a0<\/span><\/span>peaches add pucker to savory aged goat\u2019s milk cheese. To really tie it together, reach for some prosciutto: \u201cThink of the meat as the minister in the marriage of two otherwise disparate partners<\/span><\/span>,<\/span><\/span>\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/span>Mayer says.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cGeorgia<\/span><\/span>,\u00a0<\/span><\/span>squared,\u201d Mayer says of Griffin, a beer-soaked tomme that uses\u00a0<\/span><\/span>local<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/span>p<\/span><\/span>orter to impart notes of chocolate. Paired with bold and boozy peach preserves, Griffin\u2019s malty notes really sing.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n This triple cream, bloomy-rind cheese has a soft buttery texture with rich, smooth flavors and gentle lactic tones. Fresh peach slices offset its richness, but don\u2019t stop there, Mayer <\/span><\/span>says<\/span><\/span>\u2014add ginger-infused honey and\u00a0<\/span><\/span>uncrystallized dried\u00a0<\/span><\/span>ginger for texture and a spicy bite.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Soak\u00a0<\/span><\/span>peeled\u00a0<\/span><\/span>peaches in red wine (plus fresh herbs like basil or rosemary) for\u00a0<\/span><\/span>6\u00a0<\/span><\/span>to\u00a0<\/span><\/span>12\u00a0<\/span><\/span>hours for a summery spin on the classic blue cheese pairing. The fruity brightness balances Bellamy\u2019s salty, creamy finish\u00a0<\/span><\/span>for\u00a0<\/span><\/span>a combo that\u2019s \u201cnothing short of picture perfect,\u201d Mayer says<\/span><\/span>.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nGoat Lady Dairy Providence<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/a><\/h2>\n<\/div>\n
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Pickled Pink\u00a0<\/span><\/span>Perfectly\u00a0<\/span><\/span>Pickled Peaches<\/span><\/span><\/em><\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\nSweet Grass Dairy Griffin<\/span><\/span><\/a>\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<\/div>\n
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Blackberry Patch Peach Bourbon Cardamom Jam<\/span><\/span><\/em><\/a><\/h3>\n
\nTulip Tree Trillium\u00a0<\/a><\/h2>\n<\/div>\n
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Fresh Peaches<\/em><\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\nSequatchie Cove Creamery Bellamy Blue<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/a><\/h2>\n<\/div>\n
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R<\/span><\/span>ed wine<\/span><\/span>\u2013<\/span><\/span>marinated peaches<\/span><\/span><\/em><\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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