Peach season has come ’round again. This year, we had such a hot and cold spring that early blossoming orchards in the North Fork Valley where I live have been mostly ill-fated. But to the west, on the Colorado – Utah border, peaches have popped. Luscious, organic peaches from Dominguez Canyon ….

I love to picture the orchards basking in the sun by Dominguez Canyon. It’s an area so beautiful, it takes my breath away.

The Ancient Ones still love the waters here; can you spot her, smiling in the stone? And the Winged Ones choose to walk here – sand hill cranes in mid to late March – as I spotted their tracks in sand near the river one spring day.

There are textures and carvings and beauty everywhere.

The canyon is just exquisite. Bighorn sheep, raptors, rabbits and other wanderers are commonly spotted. It’s a fine place to explore especially in early spring and fall, to catch warmth on the waning side of winter, or to extend summer, cottonwoods a glittery, bright yellow, scrub oaks red flares on the canyon sides.

I love Dominguez especially for the Indian petroglyphs you can discover, attempt deciphering, and wander yourself back to in time.

What is the story being told here? I wonder —

So in 2015, my peaches are from this amazing area, and I’m happy. I’ve had a fine time eating, freezing quarts of sliced peaches, making filling for elderberry peach pies (I froze in aluminum pie pans, sans crust.)

And this jalapeno peach hot sauce.

Can you imagine, in the icy chill of winter, pulling one of these jars off the shelf?

The sweet, golden glory days of summer.

Dominguez Canyon Jalapeno Peach Hot Sauce

The perfect balance of spicy and sweet. Excellent with chips, nachos, tacos, burritos, huevos and more. Makes 3 pints.

• 9-10 medium to large fresh, ripe, organic peaches
• 1/2 c. apple cider vinegar – I use local Big B’s excellent apple cider vinegar, made in Colorado!
• 1/3 to 1/2 c. local honey (Ambrosia from Colorado Western Slope is divine!)
• 1/4 c. fresh minced red jalapeno peppers, leave some of the seeds in

In food processor or blender, puree washed, sliced peaches in two batches, making sure the puree is perfectly smooth. Pour and scrape into large pot, whisk in vinegar and honey. Simmer over medium low heat, whisking occasionally, for 10 -15 minutes. Stir in minced jalapenos. Simmer a little longer to let the flavors mingle well, about 30 minutes in all.

Meanwhile, prepare jars for canning according to jar instructions. When hot sauce has come to a steady low boil, and jars/lids have been sterilized, can hot sauce, leaving 1/2 inch space at tops of jars, seal and finish according to your jar instructions. I do not process these in a hot water bath, but please use your own discretion and choice.

** If you like goat cheese, do try this simple recipe – heat tortilla chips sprinkled with crumbled goat cheese, drizzled with this tasty hot sauce!

Love to read about eat peaches? Here’s another post on Paonia peaches, with recipes for elderberry peach crisp, Frangelico peach preserves, and a similar hot sauce! Or this one, with a recipe for GF Honey Lavender Shortcakes with Caramelized Peaches and Chokecherry Syrup. And this recipe for Coconut Rice, Peach and Ginger Dessert Spring Rolls.

Summer blessings to you!