Spanish-style Wine-poached Peaches

Ingredients

• 4 ripe peaches 4 ripe peaches
• 2 cups (480 ml) red wine (such as Rioja or Tempranillo) 2 cups (480 ml) red wine (such as Rioja or Tempranillo)
• 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
• 1 cinnamon stick 1 cinnamon stick
• Zest of 1 orange Zest of 1 orange
• Zest of 1 lemon Zest of 1 lemon

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 220 kcal / 920 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 0g, 0g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 54g, 52g
• Protein: 1g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 0g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large saucepan, combine the red wine, sugar, cinnamon stick, orange zest, and lemon zest. Stir well to dissolve the sugar.
2. 2.
   Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
3. 3.
   While the wine mixture is heating, prepare the peaches. Cut a small "X" on the bottom of each peach.
4. 4.
   Carefully place the peaches into the simmering wine mixture. Cook for about 10 minutes, or until the peaches are tender but still hold their shape.
5. 5.
   Remove the peaches from the wine mixture using a slotted spoon and transfer them to a plate. Let them cool slightly.
6. 6.
   Increase the heat to medium-high and continue simmering the wine mixture until it thickens and reduces by about half, approximately 15 minutes.
7. 7.
   Remove the cinnamon stick and discard.
8. 8.
   Once the wine syrup has thickened, pour it over the peaches. Allow the peaches to cool completely in the syrup.
9. 9.
   Once cooled, transfer the peaches and syrup to a covered container and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight, to allow the flavors to meld together.
10. 10.
    Serve the Spanish-style Wine-poached Peaches chilled, spooning some of the syrup over each peach.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Peaches — Choose ripe but firm peaches for this recipe to ensure they hold their shape during poaching.
• Red wine — Opt for a good-quality red wine, such as Rioja or Tempranillo, to enhance the flavor of the dish.
• Cinnamon stick — Use a whole cinnamon stick for a subtle warmth and aroma.
• Orange and lemon zest — Grate the zest of an orange and a lemon to infuse the dish with citrusy notes.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra touch of flavor, add a splash of orange liqueur or brandy to the wine mixture.
• Serve the wine-poached peaches with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent treat.
• If you prefer a sweeter syrup, you can increase the amount of sugar in the recipe.
• Save the leftover wine syrup to use as a topping for other desserts or as a flavorful addition to cocktails.
• Garnish the dish with a sprinkle of ground cinnamon or a fresh mint leaf for an elegant presentation.

Serving advice

Serve the Spanish-style Wine-poached Peaches chilled in individual dessert bowls or plates. Drizzle some of the wine syrup over each peach and garnish with a fresh mint leaf or a sprinkle of ground cinnamon for an extra touch of elegance.

Presentation advice

Arrange the wine-poached peaches in a circular pattern on a serving platter, with the syrup pooled in the center. Place a cinnamon stick in the center of the platter for a visually appealing presentation. Serve with a side of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream, if desired.