These are the times that try men’s souls: The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of his country; but he that stands it now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman … Thomas Paine, ‘The American Crisis’ Tim Walz personifies the Summer Soldier. For twenty-four years of peace, he collected a fat supplemental National Guard paycheck in addition to his teacher’s salary. He used his service to garner the support of voters for his budding political career. All this came to a screeching halt when it became clear that he might actually have to fight for his country. Many believe that the brotherhood represents a solid, conservative bloc; nothing could further from the truth. When a credible rumor surfaced that his unit might be deployed to Iraq, Walz had a decision to make. He could deploy or run for Congress, and sunshine patriot that he is, Walz chose self-interest over duty and loyalty to troops he had trained. He put in for retirement before stop-loss could halt retirements and discharges. Not surprisingly, many of his former comrades were furious; they felt betrayed. Some died in the subsequent deployment. To make matters worse, he gave an interview for a bio in which he alluded to the belief that he did not want to see weapons he had carried in war used at home. By implying that he had served in war, he added stolen valor to his resume. In the brotherhood of war there are several classifications. On top, are the combat soldiers; they are the ones who day-after-day leave the confines of the forward operating base (FOB) to confront the enemy. Next, come the support troops who man the FOBs, the combat troops often refer to them as “Fobitts.” This is unfair. Most were ordered there and did their jobs. They represent about eighty percent of the soldiers, sailors, airmen, and marines who served in Iraq and Afghanistan. (READ MORE from Gary Anderson: The Secret Service Needs a Red Team) The third category are those who were willing to go but were never called. Until his retirement, Walz fell into this category. During Operation Enduring Freedom (the Afghan War), his unit was sent to Italy to backfill a unit deployed to the theater. The categories that fall outside of the brotherhood include (1) those who actively avoid combat by legally using the system and (2) those who used all other means to avoid being deployed. I have a second cousin who falls into that category. He avoided deployment by feigning mental illness. When called down on that, he admitted to cowardice. He was discharged as unfit. He has been ostracized by the family ever since. Lowest of the low is the Legion of Stolen Valor; those who did not go, but who claim they did either by wearing awards they do not rate or by alluding to combat experience that they do not have. These are the politicians who get “Swift Boated.” That is already happening to Walz, and justifiably so. (READ MORE: Harris Can Avoid Reporters But Not Economics) Walz defenders claim that the Democrats have already put that charge to rest. Notable among them is Washington Post columnist Eugene Robinson. They are wrong. The drip, drip, drip has just begun. For those who don’t think that stolen valor can undermine a campaign, I have two words … John Kerry. This is particularly true in this election. Many believe that the brotherhood represents a solid, conservative bloc; nothing could further from the truth. Many of my fellow veterans are swing voters. Some are Democrats. They may be a small percentage of the electorate, but there are more of them than the trans voters so cherished by the Democrats. Gary Anderson is a retired Marine Corps Colonel. He served as a UN Observer in Lebanon and as a the Military Advisor to the US Liaison Office to the UN mission in Somalia. He also served as a State Department field advisor in Iraq and Afghanistan. The post Tim Walz, Unreformed Summer Soldier appeared first on The American Spectator | USA News and Politics.

While China must remain viewed as a potential strategic adversary, we must recognize the serious Iranian threat to our national security.  The United States is badly distracted by serious matters — and self-absorbed in campaign histrionics. We are confronted with protracted regional wars in Gaza and Ukraine. There has been an attempted assassination of former president Trump, as well as the arrest of a Pakistani with alleged links to Iran whom the FBI believes was to target Trump, among others. There are still some moderate elements in Iran, including for example the new president, Masoud Pezeshkian. Our national attention is on the daily barrage of campaign disparagements, parrying, and verbal onslaughts; representations subjected to a phalanx of fact checkers; obsession with seven so-called battleground states; a presidential candidate cleverly concealed behind a teleprompter; the anxious expectation of inflation indexes and unemployment data; gyrations of the Dow Jones and S&P indices, and NASDAQ. America is not focused — and our enemies know it. From now until the January inauguration, we enter a particularly dangerous period in which U.S. assets and interests are at risk.  And since it is an election year with a lame duck president and vice president without foreign policy experience, and since it is not even clear who is running the United States, we should expect to be further tormented by the axis of bad actors — Iran in particular. Feckless Iranian Policy Our Iran foreign policy has been feckless for years.  A naïve Obama Administration was desperate to consummate an agreement to discourage or retard Iran’s development of a nuclear weapon — later abandoned by the Trump Administration. The Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, better known simply as the Iran nuclear agreement, was unwisely unlinked to Iranian adventurism in the Middle East. Yet the Biden Administration, acting like a supplicant, tried unsuccessfully to restore the agreement. And amazingly, in March the Biden Administration unfroze $10 billion of Iranian blocked funds. Funded by oil export revenues, over the years Iran has successfully built up formidable proxies in the region, although it is not clear how much control Iran always has over them. Hamas has up to an estimated 12,000 militants remaining; Hezbollah which claims to have 100,000 fighters (with independent estimates much less) and up to 200,000 rockets and missiles, according to Washington-based CSIS; an estimated 40 Iran-backed groups or militias, including but not limited to Iraq and Syria; and the Houthi rebels of Yemen on the Arabian Peninsula estimated by British sources at 20,000. (Not surprisingly, Al Jazeera quotes Houthi sources of over 200,000). Houthi attacks on commercial and Western naval vessels have reduced traffic through the Red Sea by over 50 percent, and conducted more than 190 attacks, affecting 65 countries and 29 shipping companies, according to USNI News in June. In short, the Middle East is on fire, “a-bobbin’ like a basket full o’ snakes,” in the words of Nobel Laureate Rudyard Kipling who wrote on India. (READ MORE from Frank Schell: Xi Jinping: When Will I Be Loved?) In the meantime, Iran marches relentlessly toward uranium enrichment sufficient for a nuclear weapon — the length of time to produce sufficient weapons-grade uranium (“breakout time’) is now said to be 1-2 weeks by Secretary Antony Blinken, although more time is needed for assembly of a device. The world has already seen the effects of nuclear blackmail by President Vladimir Putin of Russia that have restrained the response of NATO and the U.S. since his invasion of Ukraine in 2022, so imagine the potential bullying of moderate Middle East countries and the West. America does not need another war in the Islamic world, after its disastrous experience of nearly 20 years in Afghanistan, and the ISIS Sunni backlash after the fall of Baghdad in 2003. Best Iranian Policy Options What should we do about this? First and foremost, the U.S. should enforce the sanctions on Iran imposed by the Trump Administration. As recently reported by the Wall Street Journal, between 2018 and 2020, those sanctions cut oil exports from 2.5 million barrels per day to 70,000, preventing Iran from realizing $50 billion in oil proceeds. Further, in 2019 then-President Hassan Rouhani stated that U.S. sanctions had cost Iran $200 billion, reducing Iranian military outlays by 28 percent — to the detriment of Iran’s surrogates in the Middle East. Indeed, sanctions have a downside: They can impoverish a country and give China and Russia an entrée, as we have seen, and the price of gas at the pump will go up. Second, Iran should be put on notice that any Iranian vessels that assist the Houthis in targeting missiles and drones against U.S. naval assets and international commercial ships will be sunk. This action was recommended to President Biden in March by Republican Senator Dan Sullivan, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee. Third, the power of the president of the United States should be brought to bear to address the Iranian people. President Obama has admitted that he erred in not supporting the Iranian pro-democracy uprising in 2009 known as the Green Movement — his objective was said to be a nuclear agreement, not regime change. Direct messaging the Iranian people would say that the United States supports them in their aspiration for democracy, that Iran’s isolation and status as a rogue nation will end, and that as a carrot, the U.S. will assist in the development of Iran’s energy industry if they oust the current fundamentalist regime and replace it with fair elections and democracy. (READ MORE: Starbucks Does It Again With Oleato) There are still some moderate elements in Iran, including for example the new president, Masoud Pezeshkian. Further, the Iranian regime is not monolithic like North Korea, and there are competing elements.  Moreover, the young and women of Iran want to modernize the country. Both U.S. presidential candidates should set forth a vision of their foreign policy toward Iran.  However, it is hard to believe that the current or a future Democratic Administration, which has appeased Iran for years, would have the resolve to embrace the Iranian people for purposes of regime change. But Iran must be defanged — the world needs a second Iranian Revolution. Frank Schell is a business strategy consultant and former senior vice president of the First National Bank of Chicago. He was a Lecturer at the Harris School of Public Policy, University of Chicago and is a contributor of opinion pieces to various journals. The post Defang Iran and Support Iranian Good Guys appeared first on The American Spectator | USA News and Politics.

Simply defined, meritocracy is an economic and political system where people achieve their position based upon merit. Merit is ascertained by a record of formal credentials and/or past performance which demonstrates such traits as intelligence, work ethic, ambition, creativity, vision, and accomplishment are demonstrated. It is a system that elevates achievement independent of race, gender, sexual orientation, and religion. Equal outcome does not strengthen the weak, it weakens the strong. The twentieth century was characterized by a slow but inexorable process of establishing merit as the key factor in status and social mobility, energized in particular by a powerful postwar civil rights revolution. One can credit meritocracy with being behind America’s economic and innovative preeminence in the world. Having established equality under the law, America has continued to make progress toward creating equal opportunity for all, though the goal is illusive and likely never fully achievable even if laudable. Remember, equal opportunity does not create equal outcomes or equal results, nor should we seek those things. Karl Marx advocated for a Socialist Utopia where everyone was of equal stature, position, and where everyone received roughly equal compensation. Marx is long dead and his Socialist Utopias have only ever had the worst kinds of inequality and have always given way to dictatorship and oppression wherever it has been tried. It is easy to see why. People have different capabilities and some achieve excellence in various life pursuits while others do not. It is impossible to make everyone excellent at every endeavor. So to make everyone “equal,” the most talented people would have to be prevented from achieving excellence. This would require a powerful and tyrannical government imposing its will on a population. Venezuela is the latest glaring example of this system. However, never in our history has meritocracy been more threatened than in the upcoming election. The issue has once again come to the forefront in the person of VP Harris who has gone on record saying that equal opportunity and equality under the law is not enough, and the government’s goal should be equal outcomes (i.e. “equity”). On her Twitter/X feed, Harris provides narration for a short cartoon in which she explains that she is for “equity,” not “equality.” “Equitable treatment,” Harris intones, “means that we all end up at the same place.” Elsewhere she has told audiences that “if the goal is truly about equality, then it has to be about a goal of saying everybody should end up in the same place.” Since we just watched the Olympics let me use that as a metaphor for Harris’ position. In the hundred meter sprint the runners all begin at the same starting line. However, they don’t cross the finish line at the same time, as the medal goes to the runner based on merit. It is impossible for the government to cause the slower runner to speed up so equality of outcome would require the faster runner to slow down. And on it goes. Equality of outcome would require the smarter student to learn less, the corporate CEO to work at menial labor in his warehouse, the NFL quarterback work as a water boy. Just look around your own life and see how equality of outcome would change your world. Eliminate meritocracy and you will never see another Apple or Microsoft or Space X. Give everyone an A in school and no one will study. At the end of a golf tournament divide the purse equally among all the players and watch the quality of play diminish. Give every actor an Academy Award and every football team a Lombardi Trophy? I could fill pages with examples of legislating equal outcome diminishing quality and achievement but I’m sure you’ve gotten the point. Equal outcome does not strengthen the weak, it weakens the strong. Since the 2020 “racial reckoning,” the corporate world has realized that hiring and promotion based on anything other than merit is a loser and many corps appear to be abandoning DEI in droves. I am not going to go on about Harris’ far left history or write about her cosponsoring legislation with Bernie Sanders to create single-payer government run healthcare, her support of defunding the police, her raising money for George Floyd rioters, her abysmal record on the southern border, or her providing free legal services, healthcare, cell phones, etc. to illegal immigrants. Some readers may agree with these positions and I don’t want to distract attention from the single most pressing problem with a Kamala Harris presidency. Hopefully, we can all agree that the consequences of government intervention to assure equal outcomes and the elimination of meritocracy is political, cultural, and economic suicide. READ MORE from George Liebmann: Trump Can Win: 2024 Isn’t 2020 READ MORE: Harris Can Avoid Reporters But Not Economics The post Will Merit Survive the 2024 Election appeared first on The American Spectator | USA News and Politics.

“Thinking about the Unthinkable” is the title of a once famous 1962 book by Herman Kahn imagining scenarios for an all-out nuclear war between the U.S. and Russia. Perhaps it helped to prevent a nuclear war from occurring. “Thinking the unthinkable” has become a trope. A Google search for the phrase will turn up dozens of books in various fields. Sometimes contemplating something so repulsive is necessary because the unthinkable does happen. We are not well-positioned to prevent the unthinkable from happening, or recurring, if we are unwilling to even imagine it. That was the premise for Herman Kahn’s book. Is it really “unthinkable” that someone in power might try to kill his or her political opponents? It is time to think the unthinkable about the assassination attempt on the life of presidential candidate Donald Trump in Butler, Pennsylvania, on July 13, 2024. Everyone knows it failed by less than an inch. What we do not know, and perhaps may never know, is how it was allowed to happen. What We Know Now of the Assassination Attempt The latest is that a local cop warned the Secret Service days before the shooting that they should station someone on that fateful roof that was within easy shooting range of where the former President and leading presidential candidate was going to speak. Plus the people supposedly guarding the former president saw a suspicious guy with a range finder near the roof. That’s the last straw for me. It is time to start thinking about the possibility that the shooter did not act alone and that someone somewhere wanted that roof to be left unprotected for some reason. Yes, I served in government and I do know that the feds probably think the local cops are fools and would ignore their advice about how to do their job. That is certainly a possibility. And it also certainly is possible that the shooter acted alone and was enabled by gross bureaucratic incompetence. That happens. But there are also more sinister possibilities that should be thoroughly investigated, and I am dubious that even a “bipartisan” congressional investigation will get to the bottom of it. The next administration should appoint a distinguished special prosecutor to investigate whether crimes were committed, and if so, by whom. If the Russia hoax needed a special prosecutor, these events certainly do. There are just too many alleged “coincidences” here to continue to ignore the alternative possibilities. These events are beginning to remind me of Jeffrey Epstein’s alleged “suicide.” Remember him. He’s the guy who set up lots of powerful men with underage girls and supposedly took his own life while in a New York jail under a suicide watch. His cell mate was moved to a different cell and the two guards who were supposed to be watching him allegedly fell asleep, and the security cameras just happened not to be working. “Nothing to see here,” we were told. Similarly, we are supposed be reassured by the FBI telling us that they found no evidence that the shooter did not act alone and for unknown reasons. But “the absence of evidence is not evidence of absence.” And, oh yes, there is that little matter of those encrypted messages on the shooter’s cell phone that the FBI claims it cannot decipher. Lest I get canceled for peddling a “conspiracy theory,” I am not saying there was a conspiracy to assassinate Trump. In the immortal words of Mark Twain, “It may have happened, it may not have happened. But it could have happened.” I will confess that before it happened, I predicted that it would happen, telling several friends that the powers that be would never allow Trump to take office again and so if it looked like he was going to win re-election, he would be assassinated. Someone tried once; someone else could try again. Is it really “unthinkable” that someone in power might try to kill his or her political opponents? Assassinations of political opponents have happened throughout history. For example, many people, including President Biden, believe Putin was behind the mysterious explosion that killed Prigozhin. Machiavelli even recommends assassination as a tactic in his book The Prince, writing that a despot should invite his rivals to a peace conference, hide his henchmen behind curtains so they can spring out and kill his opponents. Do I think someone in the White House ordered the assassination? No, that’s the stuff of James Bond movies. But all it takes are magazine covers portraying Trump as Hitler, plus inflammatory statements by prominent politicians, including President Biden, that Trump will be a “dictator”; that there will be a “bloodbath” if Trump is not elected; and that “it’s time to put Trump in a bull’s-eye.” That plus an unguarded rooftop is all it takes for a volunteer to take a shot at him. An Assassination Could Happen Here Think that nothing like that could possibly happen here? Think again. At least twenty assassination attempts on U.S. presidents or presidential candidates have occurred in American history. As Justice Gorsuch recently noted, it was unprecedented that one presidential administration might try to put a previous president in jail — until it happened. In her dissent from the recent presidential immunity case, left-leaning Justice Sotomayor, writing for herself and the two other justices appointed by Democrats, envisioned that a future president might indeed order the assassination of a political opponent: When [the President] uses his official powers in any way, under the majority’s reasoning, he now will be insulated from criminal prosecution. Orders the Navy’s Seal Team 6 to assassinate a political rival? Immune. Organizes a military coup to hold onto power? Immune. Takes a bribe in exchange for a pardon? Immune. Immune, immune, immune. To be clear, I am not claiming that President Biden or his inner circle was behind the assassination attempt, nor that Justice Sotomayor’s inflammatory statement is an accurate summary of the Supreme Court’s immunity decision. But to date the “explanations” by the Secret Service and the FBI smell like a cover-up. They may well just be covering up bureaucratic incompetence. But it is time to investigate the unthinkable that something more sinister may have been behind leaving that roof within easy shooting range unguarded. Otherwise, even innocent events, such as the recent “mechanical problem” on Trump’s plane will result in speculation by the public that someone in power is trying to kill him. READ MORE from E. Donald Elliott: Are the American People Smart Enough to See Through the Political Theater? Fixing the Most Dangerous Branch The post Don’t Dismiss the Trump Assassination Attempt appeared first on The American Spectator | USA News and Politics.

from Mark Dice: TRUTH LIVES on at https://sgtreport.tv/

by Martin Armstrong, Armstrong Economics: It seemed like a blatantly poor business decision for American motorcycle manufacturer Harley Davidson to go woke. After all, the company is associated with conservative values and masculinity. The company installed CEO Jochen Zeitz who represents everything the brand’s core base is against – climate change, trans care for kids, […]

This Lemon Icebox Cake is a tangy, sweet, and refreshing no-bake dessert that is perfect for summer gatherings, picnics, and potlucks. This lemon icebox cake is light, creamy, refreshing, tangy, and sweet – the perfect combo for this time of the year! In This Article Why This Recipe Stands OutKey Recipe IngredientsSubstitutions and VariationsStep-By-Step Recipe InstructionsHow to Prep AheadCommonly Asked QuestionsLemon Icebox Cake RecipeMore to Bake and Eat View more Why This Recipe Stands Out There’s nothing quite like bright, vibrant lemon recipes for the summer. Here’s why we think you’ll love this recipe: No-Bake: Like our Creamy Ice Cream Cake, this Lemon Icebox Cake requires no baking, making it a perfect dessert for the warm weather. Lemony Goodness: The combination of lemon whipped cream, graham crackers, and lemon curd creates the perfect balance of tangy and sweet, much like our Lemon Bars. Make-Ahead: This Lemon Icebox Cake can be prepared the night before using simple pantry staples, saving you time on the day of your lemony party! Incredible Texture: The graham crackers in this cake soften to a spongey texture, giving it the perfect cake-like consistency, like our Strawberry Icebox Cake. Lemon-Sugar Topping: The lemon sugar gives the topping a zesty, sweet crunch, balancing out the creamy softness of the cake. It’s so delicious you could eat it by itself! Key Recipe Ingredients Graham Crackers – They form the layers of our icebox cake. They soften as the cake chills, taking on a cake-like texture that’s absolutely delicious. Heavy Whipping Cream – We use it to make a lusciously smooth and creamy whipped cream. Its high-fat content helps it hold stiff peaks, perfect for sandwiching between our graham cracker layers. Lemon Curd – The lemon curd adds a burst of bright, tangy lemon flavor that takes this cake to the next level. You can use store-bought lemon curd, but we highly recommend making homemade lemon curd for the freshest, most delicious results. Substitutions and Variations This Lemon Icebox Cake recipe is already a crowd-pleaser, but here are some simple substitutions and variations we love: Other Citrus: This recipe is all about the fresh, citrusy flavor. While we love using lemons, feel free to experiment with other citrus fruits like limes or even oranges. Different Curd: We love the tangy flavor of lemon curds in this recipe, but you can definitely switch it up with other fruit curds like passion fruit curd or orange curd. Individual Servings: Consider making mini lemon icebox cakes in individual jars or cups for a fun twist. It is ideal for parties or potlucks like our Mini Cheesecake Recipe. Step-By-Step Recipe Instructions Combine lemon zest and sugar in a small bowl and set aside. In a large mixing bowl, beat butter until very soft. Add heavy cream and beat until smooth. Add sugar, salt, and lemon zest. Beat until the mixture forms firm peaks. Gradually beat in lemon juice. Spread a small amount of lemon whipped cream in the baking dish. Layer graham crackers on top. Spoon lemon whipped cream over crackers. Drizzle lemon curds over the cream. Repeat 3 more times. Cover and chill for 3-4 hours. Sprinkle lemon sugar over the top of the cake before serving. For full list of ingredients and instructions, see recipe card below. How to Prep Ahead Take a look at our best prep-ahead strategies for this recipe: Make Lemon Curd: You can make the lemon curds up to 1 week in advance and store them in the fridge. When you’re ready to assemble the cake, warm the curd slightly to make it easier to drizzle. Prep Whipped Cream: The whipped cream can be made up to 2 days in advance. Store it in the fridge until you’re ready to assemble the cake. Entirely Make Ahead: This icebox cake can be made the day before to save you a ton of time on the day of your party! Once assembled, cover the cake and let it chill in the fridge for 3-4 hours or overnight. This Lemon Icebox Cake will immediately become your friend when you try it.  Commonly Asked Questions Why does the lemon whipped cream look curdled after adding the lemon juice? The lemon juice can cause the cream to curdle slightly when first added. Don’t worry, just keep beating until the mixture forms firm peaks. It will come together and will not affect the final texture of the cake. Can I use store-bought lemon curd? Yes, you can use store-bought lemon curd. However, if you have the time, we recommend making your own lemon curd at home. It’s easy, and the fresh, tangy flavor will definitely elevate your lemon icebox cake. Can I use low-fat ingredients for this recipe? While you can use low-fat ingredients, we recommend sticking to heavy whipping cream for the best results. This dessert is all about creamy, fluffy texture. Plus, we’re using real lemons, which are packed with nutrients and flavor. It’s okay to treat yourself to the full-fat version every now and then! How long does lemon icebox cake keep? Lemon icebox cake can be kept in the refrigerator for 1-2 days. The flavors actually meld together even better after the first day, so it’s a great make-ahead dessert! Print Lemon Icebox Cake This lemon icebox cake is superbly light, refreshing, airy, and creamy all at once. The lemony tang balances out the sweet so perfectly in this no-bake dessert! Course DessertCuisine AmericanDiet VegetarianMethod Assemble Prep Time 15 minutes minutesChill 3 hours hoursTotal Time 3 hours hours 15 minutes minutes Servings 10 Calories 381kcal Author Amy Dong Ingredients1 tsp fresh lemon zest2 TB granulated sugar¼ cup salted butter very soft3 cups heavy whipping cream½ cup powdered sugar⅛ tsp table salt2 lemon zest of 2 large lemons⅓ cup fresh lemon juice from 2 large lemons25-30 whole graham crackers 3-4 sleeves1 cup lemon curd slightly warmed up (store bought or homemade) InstructionsIn a small bowl, combine 1 tsp lemon zest and 2 TB granulated sugar. Mix well and set aside at room temp, uncovered.In a large mixing bowl, whip the butter until very soft. Add in the heavy cream and continue beating until smooth. Add sugar, salt, and lemon zest. Whip until mixture forms firm peaks. Gradually beat in lemon juice, beating until fully incorporated. The lemon whipped cream should hold peaks; don’t worry if it starts to curdle.Place warmed lemon curd in a Ziploc baggie, press out the air, and seal bag. Cut a very tiny hole at bottom corner, and set aside.Spread a small amount of lemon whipped cream onto the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish.Lay down a layer of graham crackers (about 6). Spoon 3/4 to 1 cup of lemon whipped cream over crackers. Drizzle about one-fourth of the lemon curd over the whipped cream layer. Repeat layering 3 more times. You should end up with four layers total, finished by the final drizzle of lemon curd.Cover and let chill in fridge for 3-4 hours or overnight. Crackers will soften to a spongey cake texture.Use a fork to break up lemon sugar and sprinkle over top of cake before serving.Leftovers will keep well in fridge for 1-2 days. Notes Always use fresh lemon zest and juice for this Lemon Icebox Cake. It makes a big difference in the flavor and freshness of the dessert. When zesting your lemons, be careful to only scrape off the outer, colorful layer of the skin. The white pith underneath is bitter and can affect the overall flavor of your whipped cream. Don’t worry if your lemon whipped cream looks slightly curdled after adding lemon juice. It will still set up beautifully after chilling. Warm your lemon curd slightly before using it. This makes it easier to drizzle over the whipped cream and graham crackers. Chilling the cake for at least 3-4 hours is crucial. This allows the graham crackers to soften and absorb the flavors, giving the cake its characteristic moist, cake-like texture. Serve this cake cold for the best texture and flavor.   If you enjoyed this recipe, please come back and give it a rating. We hearing from you!  Join our Free Recipe Club and get our newest, best recipes each week! NutritionCalories: 381kcal | Carbohydrates: 27g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 33g | Saturated Fat: 21g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 93mg | Sodium: 169mg | Potassium: 84mg | Fiber: 0.3g | Sugar: 19g | Vitamin A: 1193IU | Vitamin C: 5mg | Calcium: 53mg | Iron: 0.2mg More to Bake and Eat Lemon Bars with Shortbread Crust – Melt-in-your-mouth, buttery shortbread crust is topped with a luscious lemon custard creating a dessert masterpiece that no one could turn down. Lemon Blueberry Bundt Cake – This Lemon Blueberry Bundt Cake is tender, moist, and luscious with ripe berries – perfect for summers when blueberries abound. It’s even better the next day. Blueberry Lemon French Toast Bake – This Blueberry Lemon French Toast Casserole is easily prepared the night before and baked the morning of. Lemon Olive Oil Cake – Supremely moist, ultra lemony, and decadent, this lemon olive oil cake is perfect for breakfast or dessert! The post Lemon Icebox Cake appeared first on Chew Out Loud.

This is the Best Peach Crisp recipe for the crispiest, crunchiest, and tastiest one you’ve ever had, thanks to our secret technique! It tastes amazing on its own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. This peach crisp boasts a tender, juicy filling that’s not mushy….and an extra crisp topping. In This Article Video: Watch Us Make This recipeWhy This Recipe Stands OutKey Recipe IngredientsSubstitutions and VariationsStep-By-Step Recipe InstructionsHow to Prep AheadCommonly Asked QuestionsThe Best Peach Crisp RecipeMore to Bake and Eat View more Video: Watch Us Make This recipe Why This Recipe Stands Out This peach crisp recipe is the perfect easy dessert recipe to celebrate juicy, ripe peaches. Here’s why we love it: Juiciest Peaches: We macerate the peaches in sugar before baking the crisp. This helps to draw out the natural juices in the fruit. Not Too Sweet: The peaches are the star of the show in this recipe. We love that they’re not overpowered by sugar! They taste perfect, just like in our Fresh Peach Pie. Incredibly Crunchy: We’ve got a secret to getting the crispiest topping. We’ve learned that toasting the topping before baking it is the key! Easy to Make: This recipe is incredibly straightforward, just like our Peach Blueberry Crumb Bars. The biggest challenge is waiting for it to cool down a bit before digging in! Key Recipe Ingredients Peaches – We use 3 1/2 pounds of fresh semi-firm peaches, peeled and sliced into wedges for a juicy, flavorful filling. Cornstarch – It helps to thicken the peach juices, so the filling isn’t too runny. Ground Cinnamon and Ginger – They add warm, spicy notes that complement the sweet peaches beautifully. Rolled Oats – They add a lovely, crisp texture to the topping. Vanilla Extract – It enhances the flavor of the topping, making it even more delicious. Nuts – We use 1/2 cup of walnuts, pecans, or sliced almonds for a crunchy, nutty topping. Substitutions and Variations Here are our favorite substitutions and variations for this recipe: Fruit: While we are using peaches in this recipe, feel free to experiment with other fruits. You can also try our Easy Apple Crisp recipe for an apple variation! Nuts: The nutty crunch is so good in this recipe. Try using pecans, almonds, or even hazelnuts for a different flavor, or omit them for a nut-free version. Gluten-Free: If you need to make this gluten-free, swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend and rolled oats, as we do in our Gluten-Free Apple Crisp. Step-By-Step Recipe Instructions Preheat oven to 375F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Gently toss peaches and sugar together in a large bowl and let sit for about 45 minutes. In a separate bowl, combine all dry ingredients for the topping. Drizzle vanilla over the top and stir to combine. Add cold butter and work it into a crumbly mixture. Add nuts and stir. Spread the topping onto the lined baking sheet and bake for 12-14 minutes. Thoroughly drain macerated peaches in a colander and reserve 1/4 cup of the juice. Whisk the reserved juice with cornstarch, lemon juice, and spices. Fold in the peaches. Transfer the peach mixture to a baking dish and sprinkle the topping over it. Bake for 25-40 minutes and let it cool for 15 minutes before serving. For full list of ingredients and instructions, see recipe card below. How to Prep Ahead Here are our favorite prep ahead tips and strategies: Prep the Topping: You can prepare the crisp topping a day or two in advance. Toast the topping mixture and store it in an airtight container at room temperature until you’re ready to use it. Assemble Ahead of Time: You can also prepare the entire peach crisp in advance. Once assembled, you can store it in the fridge unbaked. When you’re ready to enjoy it, bake it in the oven. The topping for this peach crisp is the crowning glory. It’s notably crunchy, nutty, and golden-delicious. Commonly Asked Questions What type of peaches should I use for this recipe? We recommend using semi-firm peaches for this peach crisp. They should be ripe enough to be sweet and flavorful, but still firm enough to hold their shape when sliced and baked. Look for peaches that give slightly when pressed but are not overly soft or mushy. Why do I need to macerate the peaches? By macerating the peaches, you allow them to release some of their juices and absorb the sugar. This not only sweetens the peaches but also creates a natural syrup that will help thicken the filling as it bakes. How do I know when the peach crisp is done? The topping should be nicely brown and firm, and the filling should be bubbling around the edges. This usually takes about 25-40 minutes. If the topping is browning too quickly, you can loosely tent the crisp with foil to prevent it from burning. How long does peach crisp keep? Peach crisp can be kept at room temperature for up to two days, but it’s best enjoyed fresh on the day it’s made. You can also store it in the refrigerator for up to five days. Just make sure to cover it with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. Print The Best Peach Crisp This is THE best peach crisp you'll ever sink your teeth into! The step of pre-baking the topping really helps you achieve that sought-after crunchy texture. Macerating the peaches ahead of time prevents the crispy from becoming watery. Just be sure to serve this awesome crisp warm, the day it's baked. Course DessertCuisine AmericanDiet VegetarianMethod baking Prep Time 45 minutes minutesCook Time 30 minutes minutesTotal Time 1 hour hour 15 minutes minutes Servings 8 Calories 236kcal Author Amy Dong IngredientsFor the Filling:3 ½ lbs peaches semi-firm, peeled and sliced into 3/4 inch wedges⅓ cup granulated sugar1 ½ tsp cornstarch4 tsp lemon juice½ tsp ground cinnamon¼ tsp ground ginger⅛ tsp ground nutmeg⅛ tsp table saltFor the Topping:½ cup all purpose flour½ cup old fashioned rolled oats¼ cup granulated sugar¼ cup packed brown sugar1 tsp ground cinnamon¼ tsp ground ginger⅛ tsp ground nutmeg⅛ tsp table salt2 tsp vanilla extract6 TB salted butter cut into 6 pieces, chilled½ cup nuts walnuts, pecans, or sliced almonds InstructionsPlace one oven rack on lowest position and another oven rack on middle position. Preheat to 375F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.Gently toss peaches and 1/3 cup sugar together in a large bowl. Let sit for about 45 minutes, gently stirring several times, to allow maceration.Meanwhile, make the Topping: In a large bowl, combine flour, oats, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and salt. Whisk to combine. Drizzle vanilla over the top and stir to combine. Add cold butter pieces and use clean fingers to gently work it into a crumbly mixture, with small clumps throughout. Add nuts and gently stir just enough so the nuts stick to the mixture. Mixture should consist of 1/2 inch chunks throughout, with some small loose bits.Scatter topping into a single layer on lined baking sheet. Bake on middle rack until lightly browned and firm, 12-14 minutes, giving it a gentle toss halfway through baking.Thoroughly drain macerated peaches in a colander set over a bowl and reserve 1/4 cup of the juice – either discard remaining juice or save it for another purpose. Whisk the reserved juice with cornstarch, lemon juice, salt, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg. Fold in the peaches, and gently stir to coat. Transfer peach mixture to a deep 8×8 baking dish. Sprinkle topping over the peaches evenly, pressing down gently if needed. Place on lowest rack and bake until nicely browned and filling is bubbling around edges, about 25-40 minutes (loosely tent the crisp with foil if it starts to brown too quickly.) Let peach crisp cool 15 minutes. Serve while it's warm from the oven. Video Notes For the best texture, use semi-firm peaches. They hold their shape well when baking and provide a nice contrast to the crisp topping. Allow your peaches to macerate in sugar for about 45 minutes. This process not only sweetens the fruit but also helps to draw out some of the natural juices, which can then be mixed with cornstarch to thicken the filling. When making the topping, keep your butter cold and work it into the dry ingredients until you have a crumbly mixture with small clumps. This will give you a crisp topping that’s both tender and crunchy. Don’t skip pre-baking your topping. It may seem like an extra step, but it ensures that your topping will be fully cooked and crispy, even if your peaches need a little extra time in the oven. Crispy topping can be prepared and baked ahead of time and stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days before use. Do serve finished peach crisp while it’s still warm, shortly after you bake it. That will ensure a crispy topping, while preventing peaches from further releasing excess juices (cooked sweet peaches continue to release juices as it sits, which leads to loss of crispness.)   If you enjoyed this recipe, please come back and give it a rating. We hearing from you!  Join our Free Recipe Club and get our newest, best recipes each week! NutritionCalories: 236kcal | Carbohydrates: 27g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 0.3g | Cholesterol: 23mg | Sodium: 69mg | Potassium: 82mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 15g | Vitamin A: 265IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 21mg | Iron: 1mg More to Bake and Eat Gluten-Free Apple Crisp – whether or not you’ve got gluten-free eaters in the house, this apple crisp is seriously incredible and will make all the eaters happy. Easy, Healthy Blueberry Crumble – here’s a blueberry crumble that’s on the healthy side, yet is big on flavor. Fresh Peach Pie with Flaky Butter Crust – we absolutely love this peach pie, with double crust! It’s made from all-butter, which creates an extra flaky texture. Peach ‘n Blueberry Crumb Bars – here’s the best combination ever: peaches and blueberries come together in these luscious dessert bars with a shortbread crust. The post The Best Peach Crisp appeared first on Chew Out Loud.