Palmettos, Peaches, and Seafood in South Carolina

Palmettos? Why Palmettos? Isn’t that the name of those jeans some of us at My Girlfriendships® wore in the 80s and 90s? Or how ‘bout those giant bugs in Florida? Yes, but here’s another nugget of history that we usually (always) try to weave in….

South Carolina, this week’s featured destination, was known as the Palmetto State waaaaay before the jeans were even an idea. History has it that when SC was fighting for its independence during the Revolutionary War, the palmetto trees absorbed and negated the force of the cannonballs the British aimed at the SC militia. That’s why the palmetto tree became SC’s symbol of liberty, why it was added to the state seal in 1777, and then to the state flag in 1860. No bugs involved!

Well, what about peaches? Even though Georgia is known as the Peach State, South Carolina averages more than three times the amount (in pounds) of peaches harvested in Georgia in a typical season. Check out this recipe that features peaches, and then keep reading for the scoop on seafood!

Let’s Eat…in! 

Our most favorite fruit growing up was the peach so, in preparation for South Carolina Peach season in mid-June, we’re making this delicious recipe, perfect for a summer afternoon gathering with My Girlfriendships. 

Grilled Peach and Pineapple Melba Sundaes

Ingredients for 6 | Multiply by degree of hunger, divide by number of girlfriends!

Ingredients

•     12 ounces fresh raspberries

•     2 tablespoons granulated sugar

•     1 tablespoon fresh lemon

•     pinch of flaky sea salt, plus more for serving

•     2 medium peaches, cut into thin wedges

•     2 (1/2 inch thick) fresh pineapple slices

•     vanilla ice cream

Directions

Step 1

Preheat grill to high (450°F to 550°F). 

Step 2

Layer 2 medium sheets of heavy-duty aluminum foil. 

Step 3

While the grill is pre-heating, toss together raspberries and sugar and put on the layers of foil.

Step 4

Slide foil onto grill grate and grill, uncovered, stirring once or twice, until juicy, about 8 minutes.

Step 5

Transfer raspberries and any juices to a blender, and let cool completely.

Step 6

Add lemon juice and a pinch of flaky sea salt (or regular). Puree until very smooth.

Step 7

Transfer raspberry sauce to an airtight container, and refrigerate until chilled, about 30 minutes.

Step 8

While chilling, grill peach wedges and pineapple slices, uncovered, until lightly charred, 3 to 4 minutes per side. 

Step 9

Transfer to a work surface, let cool completely.

Step 10
Dice pineapple.

Step 11

After puree is cooled, decoratively layer ice cream, pineapples, peaches, and raspberry sauce in each of the six, 8-ounce glasses. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt, and serve immediately. 

Let’s Eat…out! 

And finally, seafood! 

Are you in Beaufort and looking for a place to gather with girlfriends for a dinner night out? Here is a great option:

• Dockside, Beaufort  |  This is our type of place! It’s a casual seafood restaurant overlooking the boat docks on the Factory Creek River. The menu offers soups and salads, including their famous She Crab Soup (Check out our September 16, 2020 She-Crab recipe here), New England Style Clam Chowder, seafood selections, steaks from the grill, and nightly specials. The locals say that Dockside has the most delicious, freshly prepared seafood on the planet. 

Well then, of course we’re going to order the most delicious, freshly prepared seafood on the planet. Look for My Girlfriendships crew on the dock, sharing the Steamed Seafood Pot (Crab Legs, Shrimp, Mussels & Oysters served with Roasted Corn on the Cob and Red Potatoes)!

If you’re girls-weekending in Columbia, here’s the place for you.

• Cola's, Columbia  |   Cola’s is a restored 1930's RC Cola bottling plant (anyone remember RC Cola?). Cola's is a "casual" fine dining bar/restaurant specializing in seafood, steaks, and other culinary creations influenced by a broad range of ethnic cooking. There’s an emphasis on fresh ingredients and locally grown food where possible. Weather permitting, two garage doors open up the restaurant to views of the Statehouse and allow guests to enjoy the bustle of downtown Columbia. Cola's has ample room to host private functions in either of the two private dining rooms, seating up to as many as 50 girlfriends!

You and your besties enjoy wine? Cola's boasts a 40-foot long bar that houses their extensive wine selection. Wine not your vibe? Then there’s always the house cocktails or brews from their large selection of bottled beers. 

With all the fresh, locally grown ingredients available, their pasta primavera sounds like the perfect choice. Angel hair, broccoli, asparagus, tomatoes, peas, spinach, with a creamy parmesan sauce. Add your choice of shrimp or parmesan-crusted chicken (sounds like the recipe in the Arkansas blog!). 

Palmettos, peaches, seafood...just add your girlfriends!  

Recipe source:

https://www.foodandwine.com/recipes/grilled-peach-and-pineapple-melba-sundaes

Photo credit:

Pasta Primavera

Steamed Seafood