Special Peaches
Sweet and spiced peach preserves with warm cinnamon, cloves, and ginger, perfect for summer desserts, breakfast spreads, or gift-giving to friends and family.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
- Dip peaches in scalding hot water for a few seconds.
- Slip off skins while hot.
- Insert 4 cloves into each peeled peach and place in a roasting dish.
- Mix sugar, apple-cider vinegar, cinnamon sticks, ground allspice, and grated ginger in a bowl.
- Pour the mixture over the peaches, ensuring they are covered with liquid.
- Cover the dish and bake until peaches are tender and syrup is thickened, about 3 hours.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, choose firm peaches that yield slightly when pressed. You can adjust the sweetness by reducing the sugar or using honey as a substitute. If you prefer a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the mixture. Make sure to cover the dish tightly while baking to trap steam, ensuring tender peaches. This recipe pairs well with Herb Vegetable Bake for a delightful meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the special peaches warm or cold, topped with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for a delightful dessert. They also make a great addition to breakfast dishes like pancakes or yogurt. For an elegant touch, drizzle some of the syrup over Fluffy Pineapple Salad as a refreshing side.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover peaches in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. To reheat, gently warm them in a saucepan over low heat to preserve their texture and flavor. You can also enjoy them cold or at room temperature, making them versatile for snacking or dessert.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Special Peaches contains roughly 293 calories, with 5g protein, 53g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (47% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (26% of the Daily Value), and iron (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and protein. It also contributes 7g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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
Can I use frozen peaches for this recipe?
While fresh peaches yield the best flavor and texture, you can use frozen peaches if necessary. Just ensure they are fully thawed and drained before adding them to the roasting dish. The cooking time may vary slightly, so check for tenderness as they bake.
How can I tell when the peaches are done baking?
The peaches are done when they are tender and easily pierced with a fork, and the syrup has thickened. The baking time can vary depending on the size of the peaches, so start checking around the 2.5-hour mark for doneness.
Can I add other spices or ingredients?
Absolutely! Feel free to customize the spice blend by adding nutmeg or cardamom for additional warmth. You can also include citrus zest, such as lemon or orange, to brighten the flavor of the dish. Just remember to adjust the sugar accordingly if you add more ingredients.
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).