Pesche al Vino

Pesche al Vino Recipe - A Delicious Italian Dessert

Region / culture: Italy | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 10 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Pesche al Vino is a traditional Italian dessert that features ripe peaches marinated in red wine and spices. This elegant and refreshing dessert is perfect for summer gatherings or special occasions.

History

Pesche al Vino has been enjoyed in Italy for centuries, with its origins dating back to ancient Roman times. The combination of sweet peaches and flavorful wine creates a delightful and unique dessert that is loved by many.

Ingredients

4 to 6 yellow flesh peaches
1 cup red wine, such as chianti
1 cup sugar
1 tsp ground cinnamon
0.5 tsp ground cloves
fresh mint, if desired

How to prepare

Bring 2 qt (1.89 liters) of water to a boil in a large pot.
Carefully place the peaches into the boiling water and cook for 10 to 15 seconds.
Carefully remove the peaches from the water and allow them to cool until they can be handled.
Peel off the skins and remove the pits from the peaches.
Slice the peaches into 0.13-inch slices and set them aside.
In a medium-sized pan, combine the wine, sugar, cinnamon, and cloves.
Cook the mixture over medium heat for about 10 minutes until it forms a syrup.
Remove the pan from the heat and let the syrup cool.
To assemble the dessert, divide the sliced peaches among 4 wine glasses.
Pour the syrup over the peaches and garnish with fresh mint, if desired.
Serve the dessert with biscotti.

Variations

Try using white wine instead of red wine for a different flavor profile.
Add a splash of brandy or liqueur to the syrup for an extra kick.
Top the Pesche al Vino with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent treat.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to use ripe, juicy peaches for the best flavor and texture.

- Adjust the amount of sugar in the syrup to suit your taste preferences.

- For a more intense flavor, you can let the peaches marinate in the wine syrup for a few hours before serving.

- Serve the Pesche al Vino chilled for a refreshing treat.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Pesche al Vino as a light and elegant dessert after a meal. Pair it with a glass of the same red wine used in the recipe for a perfect combination.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making Pesche al Vino is to gently poach the peaches in boiling water to remove the skins and pits. The wine syrup should be cooked until it thickens slightly to create a flavorful marinade for the peaches.

Ingredient Substitutions

If peaches are not in season, you can use canned peaches in syrup for this recipe. Simply drain the peaches and slice them before marinating in the wine syrup.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the Pesche al Vino a few hours ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to serve. The flavors will continue to develop as the peaches marinate in the wine syrup.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Pesche al Vino in wine glasses for an elegant presentation. Garnish with fresh mint leaves for a pop of color and freshness.

Pairing Recommendations

Pesche al Vino pairs well with a variety of desserts, such as biscotti, almond cookies, or panna cotta. It also goes well with a cheese platter for a sweet and savory combination.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Pesche al Vino in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Serve chilled or at room temperature for the best flavor.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Pesche al Vino contains approximately 150 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Pesche al Vino contains approximately 40 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

There is minimal fat content in Pesche al Vino, with less than 1 gram of fat per serving.

Proteins

Pesche al Vino is a low-protein dessert, with less than 1 gram of protein per serving.

Vitamins and minerals

Peaches are a good source of vitamins A and C, as well as potassium and fiber. The red wine in this recipe also contains antioxidants that may have health benefits.

Alergens

This recipe contains no common allergens, but be sure to check for any specific allergies or dietary restrictions.

Summary

Pesche al Vino is a light and fruity dessert that is relatively low in calories and fat. It is a good source of vitamins and minerals from the peaches and red wine.

Summary

Pesche al Vino is a delightful Italian dessert that showcases the natural sweetness of ripe peaches and the rich flavors of red wine. This simple and elegant dessert is perfect for summer entertaining or special occasions. Enjoy it with a glass of wine and good company for a truly memorable experience.

How did I get this recipe?

The moment I found this recipe is one that will always be cherished in my heart. It was a warm summer day, and I had just arrived at my friend Maria's house for a visit. As soon as I walked through the door, I was greeted by the most delicious aroma wafting from her kitchen.

Maria was busy at work, rolling out dough and slicing peaches for a dessert she called Pesche al Vino. I had never heard of it before, but the sight and smell of it made my mouth water.

"Come, sit down and watch," Maria said, motioning for me to take a seat at the kitchen table. "I learned this recipe from my grandmother, who learned it from her mother before her. It's a family tradition."

I watched in awe as Maria expertly prepared the dessert, layering slices of peaches in a baking dish and sprinkling them with sugar and a touch of cinnamon. She then poured a generous amount of red wine over the peaches and popped the dish into the oven to bake.

As the sweet scent of peaches and wine filled the air, Maria told me the story behind the recipe. She explained that Pesche al Vino, or peaches in wine, was a traditional Italian dessert that was often served during special occasions and celebrations.

Over the years, Maria had perfected the recipe, tweaking it here and there to suit her own taste. She graciously shared the recipe with me, and I knew I had to learn how to make it myself.

From that day on, I began experimenting with the recipe, making it my own by adding a hint of vanilla or a sprinkle of almond flakes. I would serve Pesche al Vino to my family and friends, and it quickly became a favorite at gatherings and holidays.

As I continued to perfect the recipe, I thought back to the day I learned it from Maria. She had passed down a piece of her family history to me, and I was grateful for the opportunity to carry on the tradition.

Years passed, and my love for cooking only grew stronger. I collected recipes from various places and people, each one holding a special memory or story behind it.

One day, while going through my collection of recipes, I stumbled upon the handwritten note that Maria had given me all those years ago. It was the recipe for Pesche al Vino, written in her elegant script.

I smiled as I read through the instructions, remembering the day I first laid eyes on the dessert and the journey I had taken to make it my own. I decided to make Pesche al Vino that evening, as a tribute to Maria and the bond we had formed over our love of cooking.

As the dessert baked in the oven, filling my kitchen with the sweet scent of peaches and wine, I thought of all the memories I had created through cooking. Each recipe held a piece of my heart, a story waiting to be shared with those I loved.

When the Pesche al Vino was finally ready, I plated it carefully and took a bite, savoring the flavors that had become so familiar to me over the years. It was delicious, just as I remembered it, and I knew that Maria would be proud of how far I had come.

As I sat at the kitchen table, enjoying the dessert that had brought me so much joy and connection, I felt grateful for all the recipes I had collected and the stories they held. Cooking had brought me closer to my loved ones, allowing me to share a piece of myself with each dish I made.

And as I finished the last bite of Pesche al Vino, I knew that the recipe would always hold a special place in my heart, a reminder of the bond between friends and the love that can be shared through food.