downtown fresno blog

Posted by Kim Schoelen

Can I tell you about Tory Farms?  I don’t actually care if you said “yes” or “no” because I’m writing this blog so I’m in the driver’s seat.

First off, they’re totally upfront about all of the pest control they use- but what you’ll notice is what they DON’T use when you read the list.

Knowledge and timing are key strategies used to control insect populations and disease. All stone fruit is given a dormant spray consisting of organic oil, copper, zinc and a synthetic pyrethrin to safely control worm eggs, ‘wintering’ under the bark. Sulfur, copper and an occasional fungicide are used to control fungal outbreaks. BT (bacillus thuringiensis) an organic worm material, has been used for over 40 years on our ranch. Spider mites are controlled with predacious mites, and by allowing mite attracting broadleaf weed to grow amongst the trees and vines. We are very in-tune with the precious ecology and delicate balance that exits between our family , our ranch, and nature. 

I really love a conscientious farm.  They also irrigate at night to reduce evaporation.  That’s that kind of thing that makes me a repeat customer, nothing makes me happier than knowing I can support good Earth stewardship.  I thought they just happened to have the sweetest peaches because they were lucky, but I read their info section on Facebook and they PLAY GRATEFUL DEAD as music therapy, man.  It all makes sense.

This week I wanted to make something that wouldn’t heat up the house, and because I’m obsessed with Ooh De Lolli’s ice pops I decided to try my hand at making a pop using a few of the most gorgeous peaches I have ever seen in my life.

(I wanted to make a clever name for this recipe using a Dead song, but then all I got stuck in my head was Casey Jones and that seemed like a dead end.  And anyway Ben and Jerry’s already went there with Cherry Garcia.)

Peaches and Cream Pop

• 1-2 Tory Farms peaches.  They’re big ol things, you might be able to get away with just one!
• 1 can of coconut milk
• 5 tbsp sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla

Makes 6 pops.

This is so easy.  Chop and plop your peaches in your food processor.  I leave the skins on because I like them.  If you want the extra work, that’s totally on you.

This is the kind of coconut milk you’ll want.  Don’t get the stuff you’d drink or put in cereal.  You want the kind with all the creamy goodness in it.  Seriously.  Look at that layer of coconut cream on the lid.  I highly recommend leaving the can undisturbed and opening it carefully so you can scoop out just the cream on top, leaving the separated milk on the bottom.  This equates to about half the can and it’s plenty.

Plop that into the food processor.  Add vanilla and sugar.  You can use more or less of any sugar substitute you like.  All I had in the house was some raw sugar so I went with that.  It probably would be out of this world with agave or honey.  Omigosh, or Maple Syrup. Hit blend and once it’s all mixed up and uniform you can pour it into the molds.

They’ll expand so don’t fill it to the tippity top.

Throw them in the freezer.  Freeze well.  I let mine freeze for about 8 hours, and I greedily ate them once my family was in bed. Run warm water over the molds to release them.  Enjoy.

Visit The Market on Kern to pick up some Tory Farms peaches and make some pops to share with your family this Independence Day!