Spanish Peach in Syrup

Ingredients

• 4 ripe peaches 4 ripe peaches
• 2 cups (470ml) water 2 cups (470ml) water
• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
• 1 cinnamon stick 1 cinnamon stick
• 1 vanilla bean, split lengthwise 1 vanilla bean, split lengthwise
• Zest of 1 orange Zest of 1 orange
• Zest of 1 lemon Zest of 1 lemon

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 180 kcal / 753 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 0g, 0g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 46g, 45g
• Protein: 1g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 0g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a saucepan, combine the water, sugar, cinnamon stick, vanilla bean, orange zest, and lemon zest. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
2. 2.
   Reduce the heat to low and add the peaches to the syrup. Simmer gently for 10-15 minutes, or until the peaches are tender when pierced with a fork.
3. 3.
   Remove the peaches from the syrup and let them cool. Continue simmering the syrup until it thickens slightly, about 5 minutes.
4. 4.
   Once the peaches are cool, peel off the skin and remove the pits. Place the peaches in a serving dish.
5. 5.
   Pour the syrup over the peaches, making sure to discard the cinnamon stick and vanilla bean.
6. 6.
   Refrigerate the dish for at least 2 hours, allowing the flavors to meld together.
7. 7.
   Serve the Spanish Peach in Syrup chilled, drizzling some of the syrup over each peach.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Peaches — Choose ripe and fragrant peaches for the best flavor. If peaches are not in season, you can use canned peaches in natural juice as a substitute.
• Cinnamon stick — Use a whole cinnamon stick for a subtle and warm flavor. If you prefer a stronger cinnamon taste, you can add an additional stick.
• Vanilla bean — Split the vanilla bean lengthwise and scrape out the seeds to infuse the syrup with its aromatic flavor. If you don't have a vanilla bean, you can use 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract instead.
• Orange and lemon zest — The citrus zest adds a bright and refreshing note to the syrup. Make sure to use organic oranges and lemons for the best flavor and avoid the bitter white pith.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra touch of elegance, serve the Spanish Peach in Syrup with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
• If you prefer a spicier flavor, you can add a pinch of ground cloves or star anise to the syrup.
• The leftover syrup can be stored in the refrigerator and used as a topping for pancakes, waffles, or yogurt.
• To enhance the presentation, garnish each serving with a sprig of fresh mint or a dusting of powdered sugar.
• If you want to make this dessert ahead of time, you can poach the peaches and prepare the syrup a day in advance. Keep the peaches and syrup refrigerated separately, and assemble them just before serving.

Serving advice

Serve the Spanish Peach in Syrup chilled, either as a standalone dessert or as a delightful addition to a cheese platter. The tender peaches and luscious syrup create a harmonious combination that is best enjoyed with a spoon.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Spanish Peach in Syrup in individual serving bowls or on a large platter. Place each peach in the center, drizzle the syrup over them, and garnish with a sprig of fresh mint. The vibrant colors of the peaches and the glossy syrup will create an eye-catching presentation.