Fork and Beans

Making food fun for the family

Boozy Peaches

by

I’m not gonna lie, the dating world drives me to drink. Even if it’s in my desserts.

It’s been 6 years since I have dated and now I am reminded why I absolutely hate it. I’m bad at it. I don’t understand the light-heartedness of it all because I’m simply not built that way. If I like you, I’m gonna want to get to know you better. If I get to know you better, I’m most likely gonna really start to really like you. If I really start to like you, I’m gonna want to know where we are going. If I want to know where we are going, it’s because I really want to pursue a relationship with you. If I want to pursue a relationship with you, it’s because I am wearing my heart on my sleeve and I am already putty in your hands.

{gasp for air}

Damn the loss of control–I don’t like giving up control! Meh, but that’s the way it’s supposed to be though, right? Or did I miss something in the past 6 years? My heart tends to become tangled in this mess we call “dating” when I really like someone. I tell you, it honestly makes me neurotic and batty. If you’ll excuse me, I think I need a drink…

Boozy Cardamom Peach Crisp Recipe

Gluten, egg, and dairy-free

makes 4 small ramekins

INGREDIENTS:

  • 2 ripe peaches, cut into 1/2″ squares
  • 3 Tbs cold sake
  • 1/16 tsp (pinch) cardamom
  • 1 Tb. brown sugar
  • 2 tsp gluten-free flour all purpose mix

DIRECTIONS:

  1. Allow the peaches to soak in the sake for 20 minutes.
  2. Stir in cardamom, brown sugar and gf flour into boozy peach mix until well combine.
  3. Divide evenly into each of the 4 ramekins.

For crisp:

  • 1 c. oats
  • 1/2 c. gluten-free flour all purpose mix
  • 1/8 tsp cardamom
  • 1/2 stick Earth Balance butter, chilled, cut into cubes
  • 1/2 c. brown sugar

DIRECTIONS:

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  2. Mix all ingredients together until a crumbly sand mixture is created.
  3. Pour on top of each ramekin full of the peach mixture.
  4. Bake at 25 minutes, or until evenly browned on the top.
  5. Top with macadamia nut whip cream.

Ack. I repeat, I hate dating. Help!

About Cara

Based in Chicago with her husband and son, Cara is the creator behind the site Fork and Beans: A place where kids can have fun with their food.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. stephanissima

    *pat pat* Good luck out there!
    I had to scroll a lot more to get down to the add comment section. Either you’re gaining a bunch of new followers (and I’m a late poster) or your alcohol posts are bringing in the hits and comments (and I’m still late). Haha!

  2. mj monaghan

    Long time, my friend. How are you?

    Great post and recipe, as usual. You have to be you, Cara. I would totally respect who and what you are about. Just watch out for the boneheads out there – you’ll know them right off, because they can’t hide who they are, either.

    You are a wonderful person, and you will meet the guy who appreciates all the great qualities you bring to the table.

    • Cara

      Hello to YOU, my friend! Funny…I was just thinking about you. Isn’t that wonderful how that works out?! Thank you for such a sweet comment, MJ! A good thing to keep in perspective and very appreciative! Hope you are well. How is So Cal treating you???

  3. Heather

    Oh gosh Cara I can’t even imagine what the dating scene is like, I have been out of the loop for a long time and was never really good at it – Like you I was more direct, I like you and if I like you I am really going to like you alot.

    But boozy peaches and bloodymary posicles should make it al least interesting, right?

  5. Katherine @ Green Thickies

    I know exactly what you mean. I hated dating too. I met my husband on a dating website so at least we knew that we were both looking to settle down as that’s why we’d gone online. It cut out a lot of that awkwardness. I wear my heart on my sleeve too and luckily so does my husband so within 6 weeks we were talking marriage and we’re still together 5 years later. I hope you find someone who also wears their heart on their sleeve. It helps a lot.

    • Cara

      Awww, I love your story!! Gives me hope that there are some decent guys on the internet then 🙂 I must go snooping now… Thank you for such a great comment! xo

  7. Gabby @ the veggie nook

    Keep on wearing your heart on your sleeve Cara, that’s why we love you! And someday you will find someone who deserves that gorgeous heart of yours!

    I just love cardamom! I bet this dessert, at least temporarily, solves all dating-related problems 🙂

  8. Kris

    geez. even reading about dating makes my stomach jumpy – I am the same way! my wish for you is that The Perfect Guy will come waltzing into your realm when you least expect it… and whoever that is, well they are very lucky indeed. don’t change a thing, and in the meantime, try to just have fun.

    and peaches with cardamom? nommity nom nom.

  9. Somer

    Um, are you cheating on me? I thought we were dating 😉 Wear your heart on your sleeve girl. It’s why we ALL adore you and some lucky ratbag is gonna find it more irresistible than your incredible desserts (and that’s pretty irresistible). xoxo

    • Cara

      I think you need to go into the business of writing cards. Every time I read your comment, it puts a smile on my face 🙂 You seriously have a talent with words…and because of that, you will always be the #1 love in my life, no matter what boy finds my pathetic sappiness irresistible…

  11. courtneyraejones

    Yummmmm! 🙂 Cardamom is delicious! I’ve never had it paired with peaches, but I cannot wait to give it a shot.

    Awe, I agree! Dating can be so tough! I dated the wrong kind of guys for a long time. And sometimes I went on dates without knowing they were dates. oopsie!

  12. A Table in the Sun

    I entered the dating field after a 25 year layover (marriage), and it was just as horrifying for me. BUT, I’m a take charge kind of gal, so I kept reading those online files until I found the ones who didn’t sound like psychos or homeless drug dealers. I have been married to Mr. Right for two years now. LOVE CARDAMON, and my nectarines are ripe for the picking! Sake? I’m thinking of a substitute.

    • Cara

      You are giving me hope! I guess the entire point of dating is to just do it, right? Regardless of how uncomfortable it might be–perseverance will bring about something good in the long run. Until then, I just need to enjoy it 😉 Glad you weeded through the psychos and homeless drug dealers and met Mr. Right! haha.

  14. Sara

    Right there with you on the dating thing. It doesn’t get any easier as we get older. It certainly hasn’t for me! I am just like you. Have you tried online dating? OkCupid! is a great free site. The thought of online dating used to horrify me, but now I really believe that it’s the only way to go these days. I can dream about meeting Mr. Right at the kale section of an organic natural foods store, but what are the chances? Le sigh.

    • Cara

      I like the fantasy of Mr. Kale. haha. Sounds like you are having fun online dating though–I want to hear some of your “war” stories 🙂

  15. Kristy

    Cardamom is my favorite spice right now. I want it on everything. Everything.

    I do not miss dating at all. Though, I would have to say, looking back, I think the reason most dates are confusing and awkward and why dating, in general, is not a bowlful of cherries (or peaches and sake) is this: When you find someone that makes dating seem simple and super fun, it makes it all the more obvious to you that you’re meant to be with that person for awhile. Wear your heart on your sleeve, be who you are, and all else will fall into place. 🙂

    • Cara

      You should talk to Richa about cardamom on everything. When I did the post of my mother’s perfume being on my daily pb&j sandwich, she said that her mom had cardamom in everything 🙂

      I remember being in my previous relationship and thanking my lucky stars that I wasn’t back in the dating world. It’s ruthless out here. But you are so right–you really do have to weed them out in order to find the one that makes it feel simple, fun and easy. Until then, heart is on sleeve 🙂

  17. Brooke (Crackers on the Couch)

    I am so very removed from the dating scene it laughs at me for my old fashioned ideas about going on group dates and holding hands in the hallway… Is “making out” still a thing? However, if you stand on any given street corner and hand out samples of drunken peach cobbler, I’m sure you’ll have them standing in line for you, my friend! The way to a man’s heart and all that. =) Shake your boozy peaches, grrrl!

  18. frugalfeeding

    It’s all right… you’re just a woman… haha. These peaches look awesome, Cara… nom :D. I like boozy. I’ve never really dated :P… I did buy my girlfriend a cake in an almost closed bar when I was exceedingly pissed (drunk) once, does that count… she wasn’t my girlfriend then…

    • Cara

      I think most things can be explained by the simple phrase, “You’re just a woman, that’s why…” ha! And no, your story doesn’t count as dating. Until you have found yourself miserable in the world of dating and are convinced of its bleakness, then you cannot credit yourself as a dater 🙂 haha

  19. Suzanne

    You. Are. Hilarious.

    Try sometime soaking orange slices in half Armaretto and half Grand Marnier for several hours in the fridge. Perfect for dessert or mid afternoon cool down on a hot day…or the morning after a bad date. I’m just sayin’ 🙂

    • Cara

      Um, Suzanne–this sorcery you speak of in terms of citrus fruit and adult liquid sounds absolutely amazing. I must must must try this, pre, post or no date!! xo

  20. Deanna

    Aw, sorry. I actually enjoy dating. But, I’m in that unique position where I’m not searching for a relationship – just some entertainment. I’m pretending I’m a man these days. 🙂

    Beautiful looking peach yummies, though.

  22. Anonymous Burn

    Too funny! I made apple crisp with rum just the other day for much the same reason. When did dating begin to feel like so much work? Luckily for you, you get to marry me and my girls. Luckily for me my bride knows how to throw down in the kitchen.

  23. Laurel

    Dating? I always HATED dating. I’d take myself off to a move, go to a BBQ or music venue with friends, volunteer, anything! It doesn’t matter in the end. People are everywhere and the fact that you got to know them doing something fun is an added benefit. Until the dreaded dinner, with your heart thudding in your ears so hard you can’t hear or see or think. But… all you’ve really gotta do is be your own adorable self and let him chase you until (as I read somewhere) you catch him. Hey, you can always throw him back. You’ve still got the best bait in town. Just don’t drink too many peaches. 🙂

    • Cara

      I am making a bumper sticker that says “I’ve got the best bait in town!”
      bahahahahaha. Laurel, you are spectacular.

  24. Caitlin

    i have to say, i was a pro-dater back in the day.. 😉 things will get easier :/ just takes a little adjusting, right?

    i love this berry crisp. i want a big bowl of it right now.

    • Cara

      Don’t get me wrong, homegirl likes herself a free meal 🙂 It’s the “I think I am starting to like you and that freaks me out because matters of the heart make everything cloudy” that I don’t like. Blarg.

  26. Dawn

    Be you. If some man doesn’t figure out how fabulous that is, he’s a moron who doesn’t deserve your giving your heart to anyway.

    • Cara

      Ever see “Just Friends”? Where the mom says to Ryan Reynolds, “Well honey, why would you want to be anything but yourself?” and proceeds to sings “Be yourself, be yourself.” Ha. Yeah, that actually is some really great advice. Thanks Dawn… from the bottom of my heart. xo

      • Dawn

        I have seen it, but just once and don’t remember much about it. Might have to just search youtube for the song.

        • Cara

          You HAVE to! And you HAVE to see it again. Please. It’s one of my favorites and I know you will love it the 2nd time around…

  28. Kier

    While I have no dating advice, the dessert looks absolutely fantastic. I love that you soaked your fruit in brooze – this just opens up a whole new world of dessert ideas for me!

  29. Ashlae

    We’re on the same wavelength – I’ve been making all things nectarine and cardamom loaded for the past week. So. Friggin’. Good.

    And man, I’m happy I don’t have to date. I’m the worst dater EVER. The one who tells grown men to chew with their mouths closed. Or yells at them when they forget to hold the door. Wearing your heart on your sleeve, on the other hand, is adorable. Absolutely adorable. And any man who says otherwise is a moron.

    • Cara

      TWINS!

      And holy cow, I am still laughing at your comment in the last 10 minutes! You make me giggle/happy. What I would give to have seen you on a first date, telling the guy to stop slouching and to close his mouth. But that last part about wearing your heart on your sleeve being adorable–now that was a beautiful sentence. Thanks friend. xo

  30. Kelly Klepfer

    These look yummy. And, as for your problem, you need to watch Parks and Rec…the episode where Leslie gets coached in dating. She has first date issues. And it’s hilarious. Not that it will give you insight or rescue you, but laughing your butt off is always a good time, right?

    • Cara

      I have been told that I need to watch that show so I am going to search that episode now, Kelly! Laughing is always a good thing, yes. Thank you… xo

  32. Shannon

    Fruit crisps are really under utilized in the dessert world! They are so easy to pull together and so satisfying, especially if you top them with some ice cream….

  34. suryasmiles

    Hahaha, ok got me and you confused did t you!!!

    Thought I was posting to another blog I just got! Ok, let’s try again! No fresh peaches here but have some plums, and no sake, but sherry or whiskey. Everything else I have. It will be a grand experiment! We don’t get good fresh peaches in AK, usually mealy or mushy when ripe, though I could use frozen/thawed I guess.

    Anyway, can’t wait to try it! And have a fab Monday again.

    • Cara

      🙂

      I am thinking that a Plum Whiskey Crisp is in order for you to make, don’t you??? And if so, please let me know how you like the combinations/whether it’s something I should make too! Hope you have a wonderful day yourself… xo