Poached Peaches
Juicy poached peaches infused with vanilla and white Zinfandel create a delightful dessert perfect for summer gatherings or elegant brunches, offering a balance of sweetness and floral notes.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Remove skins from peaches by dipping in boiling water, then transfer to ice water.
- Heat white Zinfandel and sugar until sugar dissolves. Add split vanilla bean.
- Halve peaches; cook in syrup for 10 minutes over low heat.
- Cool peaches at room temperature.
- Serve garnished with a cookie.
Tips & Substitutions
For the best flavor, use ripe, freestone peaches as they are easier to pit. If you can't find white Zinfandel, any light white wine can be a suitable substitute. To enhance the vanilla flavor, scrape the seeds from the vanilla bean and add them to the syrup. For a unique twist, consider adding a splash of almond extract or a few sprigs of fresh mint to the poaching liquid.
Serving Suggestions
Serve poached peaches warm or chilled, garnished with a crispy cookie like Graham Cracker Cookie Crunch for added texture. They pair beautifully with vanilla ice cream or yogurt, making them an excellent dessert option. For a refreshing side, consider serving alongside Sophie Mueller'S Cucumber Salad for a light meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover poached peaches in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, gently warm them in a saucepan over low heat with a splash of the poaching liquid until heated through. Avoid boiling, as this can cause the peaches to become mushy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Poached Peaches contains roughly 108 calories, with 1g protein, 29g carbohydrates, and 0g fat.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best way to tell if peaches are ripe?
Ripe peaches should give slightly when pressed and have a sweet fragrance. The skin should be smooth and slightly wrinkled, indicating ripeness. Avoid peaches that are hard or have green patches, as these are likely under-ripe.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).