Peaches and Wine, a divine dessert
This delectable dessert is a true Caribbean dream. Perfectly ripe peaches are bathed in a fragrant red wine, creating a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. It’s the perfect way to end a summer meal or impress your guests at a special occasion.
The recipe is surprisingly simple, requiring just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time. But don’t let the simplicity fool you – the results are nothing short of extraordinary.
About peaches, variety and health benefits
Peaches are a summertime favorite, bursting with juicy sweetness and a vibrant aroma. There’s a delightful variety to choose from, each with its own unique flavor profile. For a classic experience, opt for yellow peaches with their bright flesh and refreshingly tart undertones. If you prefer a sweeter option, white peaches offer a touch more honeyed flavor. For a truly unique twist, explore donut peaches, small and flat with a depression in the center resembling their namesake. No matter your preference, the peach season typically runs from May to September, so be sure to grab some at your local farmer’s market or grocery store when they’re at their peak.
Beyond their delightful taste, peaches are packed with health benefits. They’re an excellent source of vitamins A and C, which are essential for maintaining healthy vision, skin, and a strong immune system. Peaches are also a good source of fiber, which aids in digestion and helps you feel fuller for longer. So next time you’re looking for a refreshing and nutritious summer treat, reach for a delicious peach!
What happens when you soak fruits in alcohol?
Soaking fruits in alcohol is a culinary technique that unlocks a symphony of flavor and texture. Alcohol acts as a solvent, gently drawing out the fruit’s natural sugars, acids, and aromatic compounds. These flavorful components then infuse the alcohol, creating a boozy concoction with the essence of the fruit. Over time, the fruit itself softens and absorbs some of the alcohol, concentrating its sweetness and taking on a boozy depth. This technique is the foundation for many delicious desserts and infused liquors, adding a delightful complexity to dishes.
About the recipe
A Touch of Spain:
This recipe for Peaches and Wine takes inspiration from Aragon, a northeastern region of Spain. Experimenting with different wines has become a fun part of making this dish for me, and the results are always slightly different.
Finding Your Perfect Pairing:
I’ve tried Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Shiraz, Malbec, and Merlot. My personal favorites are Malbec and Shiraz because they offer bolder, richer flavors. Shiraz often boasts a delightful fruitiness that complements the peaches beautifully. Malbec, particularly from Argentina’s Mendoza region, brings a unique fragrance, depth of flavor, and deliciousness to the table.
Beyond Sangria:
While this recipe shares some similarities with Sangria, there are key differences. Here, we pre-soak the peaches and simmer the wine with sugar, lemon zest, and cinnamon. This soaking period intensifies the fruit’s flavor within the wine. The finished product is a delightful dessert drink, perfect for enjoying on a relaxing afternoon or evening.
How to Make Peaches and Wine recipe:
The ingredients
- Large peaches – The main ingredient in this recipe. Peaches are a type of stone fruit that are known for their sweet and juicy flesh. They are available in a variety of colors, including yellow, white, and red.
- Dry red wine (semi-dry works well also) – Wine is an alcoholic beverage made from fermented grapes. It can be red, white, or rosé. Dry red wine is a type of wine that has little to no residual sugar. This means that it is not sweet. Semi-dry wine is a type of wine that has a slightly sweet taste.
- Sugar – Sugar is a sweet, crystalline substance that is obtained from sugarcane or sugar beets. It is used as a sweetener in food and drinks.
- Zest of 1 lemon cut into strips – Lemon zest is the brightly colored outer part of the lemon peel. It has a strong citrus flavor and aroma. It is often used in baking and cooking to add flavor to dishes.
- Cinnamon sticks – Cinnamon is a spice that is made from the inner bark of certain cinnamon trees. It has a warm, sweet flavor and aroma. Cinnamon sticks are whole pieces of cinnamon bark that can be used to flavor food and drinks.
- Brandy or orange liquor (optional) – Brandy is a type of alcoholic beverage that is made from distilled wine. It has a strong flavor and aroma. Orange liqueur is a type of alcoholic beverage that is flavored with oranges. It is typically sweet and has a strong orange flavor. These are optional ingredients in the recipe.
Instruction for making Peaches and Wine
Preparing the Peaches:
- Blanch the Peaches: Fill a large saucepan ¾ of the way full with water and bring it to a boil. Carefully add the peaches one at a time and blanch them for 20-30 seconds each. This loosens the skin for easy removal.
- Chill and Peel: Use a slotted spoon to transfer the peaches to a bowl of cold water. This stops the cooking process. Once cool, remove the skins by gently rubbing them with your fingers.
- Slice and Pit: Cut the peaches in half and remove the pits. Set the peeled and pitted peaches aside in a heatproof bowl.
Simmering the Wine and Fruit Infusion:
- Combine Ingredients: In a separate saucepan over medium heat, combine the wine, sugar, lemon zest, and cinnamon stick.
- Dissolve Sugar and Heat: Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring slowly until the sugar dissolves completely.
- Optional Additions: If using, add the brandy or orange liquor at this point.
- Steep the Peaches: Remove the saucepan from the heat and carefully pour the hot wine mixture over the peaches in the heatproof bowl.
Final Touches:
- Cooling and Steeping: Let the mixture cool completely at room temperature. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 days, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Serving: Serve chilled in glass bowls or regular glasses. Enjoy Peaches and Wine as a refreshing and delightful dessert!
Tips for the Perfect Peaches and Wine:
- Peach Perfection: Choose ripe but firm peaches. They should give slightly to the touch but not be mushy. Look for a fragrant aroma and a vibrant blush to the skin (except for white peaches).
- Wine Wisdom: Experiment with different wines to find your favorite pairing. Bold reds like Malbec or Shiraz complement the peaches well, while lighter options like Pinot Noir can offer a delightful contrast.
- Sweet on Sugar: Adjust the sugar content to your taste. Start with the amount recommended in the recipe and add more for a sweeter dessert.
- Spice It Up: Don’t be afraid to customize the spices! While cinnamon is a classic choice, consider adding a pinch of cloves or star anise for a touch of warmth.
- Brandy Bonus: If using brandy or orange liqueur, choose a high-quality option for the best flavor impact.
- Patience is Key: Resist the urge to dig in! The two-day steeping period allows the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in a more complex and delicious dessert.
- Leftovers? No problem! Peaches and Wine can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just be sure to keep it covered to prevent any off-flavors.
In conclusion, Peaches and Wine is a delightful dessert that’s both easy to make and guaranteed to impress. With its vibrant flavors, refreshing taste, and elegant presentation, it’s the perfect way to end a summer meal or enjoy a relaxing afternoon treat. So grab some ripe peaches, your favorite bottle of wine, and get ready to indulge in this culinary gem!
Source:
Peaches and Wines
Equipment
Ingredients
- 4 large peaches
- 2 ½ cups dry red wine
- ½ cup sugar
- Zest of 1 lemon cut into strips
- 1-2 cinnamon stick
- ½ cup brandy or orange liquor optional
Instructions
Preparing the Peaches:
- Blanch the Peaches: Fill a large saucepan ¾ of the way full with water and bring it to a boil. Carefully add the peaches one at a time and blanch them for 20-30 seconds each. This loosens the skin for easy removal.
- Chill and Peel: Use a slotted spoon to transfer the peaches to a bowl of cold water. This stops the cooking process. Once cool, remove the skins by gently rubbing them with your fingers.
- Slice and Pit: Cut the peaches in half and remove the pits. Set the peeled and pitted peaches aside in a heatproof bowl.
Simmering the Wine and Fruit Infusion:
- Combine Ingredients: In a separate saucepan over medium heat, combine the wine, sugar, lemon zest, and cinnamon stick.
- Dissolve Sugar and Heat: Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring slowly until the sugar dissolves completely.
- Optional Additions: If using, add the brandy or orange liquor at this point.
- Steep the Peaches: Remove the saucepan from the heat and carefully pour the hot wine mixture over the peaches in the heatproof bowl.
Final Touches:
- Cooling and Steeping: Let the mixture cool completely at room temperature. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 days, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Serving: Serve chilled in glass bowls or regular glasses. Enjoy Peaches and Wine as a refreshing and delightful dessert!
Notes
- Peach Perfection: Choose ripe but firm peaches. They should give slightly to the touch but not be mushy. Look for a fragrant aroma and a vibrant blush to the skin (except for white peaches).
- Wine Wisdom: Experiment with different wines to find your favorite pairing. Bold reds like Malbec or Shiraz complement the peaches well, while lighter options like Pinot Noir can offer a delightful contrast.
- Sweet on Sugar: Adjust the sugar content to your taste. Start with the amount recommended in the recipe and add more for a sweeter dessert.
- Spice It Up: Don’t be afraid to customize the spices! While cinnamon is a classic choice, consider adding a pinch of cloves or star anise for a touch of warmth.
- Brandy Bonus: If using brandy or orange liqueur, choose a high-quality option for the best flavor impact.
- Patience is Key: Resist the urge to dig in! The two-day steeping period allows the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in a more complex and delicious dessert.
- Leftovers? No problem! Peaches and Wine can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just be sure to keep it covered to prevent any off-flavors.
Nutrition
Please keep in mind that nutritional information is a rough estimate and can vary greatly based on the products used.
Nutrition info is automatically generated and provided as a courtesy and as an estimate only.
Corn Allergy:
Always choose ingredients without corn or corn derivatives.
Originally published on March 2, 2015. Revised to include additional content.
