Avoid very hard peaches with no fragrance. Instead, choose peaches that are firm to slightly soft with a yellow or creamy skin tone. To speed up ripening, put peaches in a paper bag with an apple and let stand at room temperature for 2 to 3 days. When fully ripe, keep peaches in a sealed bag in the refrigerator; use within a few days.

Paulette Mitchell, a culinary instructor, television personality, and the author of 10 cookbooks, is known internationally for her quick-to-prepare recipes with a gourmet flair. Her 15-Minute Gourmet cookbook series, including Chicken, Vegetarian, and Noodles, was awarded "Best Cookbook Series in the World" at the 2000 World Cookbook Fair in Périgueux, France in November, 2000. Her Complete Soy Cookbook was named "Best Health Cookbook" at the same event in 1998. Paulette's recipes will appear each day in this column, and she will share culinary tips and kitchen wisdom acquired over the years and through her international travels.