Southern Peaches with Pecan Shortbread

Vegetarian Southern Peaches with Pecan Shortbread Recipe from USA

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 15 minutes | Servings: 6 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Southern Peaches with Pecan Shortbread is a delightful dessert that combines the sweetness of ripe peaches with the crunchiness of pecan shortbread cookies. This recipe is perfect for a summer gathering or a special treat for yourself.

History

This recipe is inspired by traditional Southern peach desserts that have been enjoyed for generations. Peaches are a staple fruit in the Southern United States, and they are often used in pies, cobblers, and other sweet treats. The addition of pecan shortbread adds a unique twist to this classic dessert.

Ingredients

Southern peaches
9 large, ripe peaches, peeled
2 tbsp granulated sugar, or to taste
0.13 tsp salt
juice of 0.5 lemon
-
pecan Shortbread
1 cup (2 sticks) cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
2 cups sifted all-purpose flour
0.25 cup granulated sugar plus extra for sprinkling
0.5 tsp salt
0.5 tsp vanilla extract
0.5 cup chopped pecans
-
Soft whipped cream, optional
1 cup heavy cream, chilled
2 tbsp granulated sugar
1 tsp vanilla
0.25 tsp almond extract

How to prepare

1. To make Southern peaches: Slice peaches and place the slices into a large mixing bowl. Sprinkle the slices with sugar, salt, and lemon juice. Cover and set aside at room temperature.
2. Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C). Lightly butter a large baking sheet and set it aside.
3. To make pecan shortbread: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter, flour, sugar, and salt using an electric beater until the dough is smooth and creamy. Add vanilla and beat again. Stir in pecans. Pinch off a piece of dough and roll it into a 1-inch ball. Place the ball on the cookie sheet and press it flat with the tines of a fork. Repeat with the remaining dough.
4. Bake the cookies for 12 to 15 minutes, or until they turn golden but not brown. Remove from the oven and, while still warm, sprinkle both sides with sugar. Set aside to cool.
5. To make soft whipped cream: Put all the ingredients into a chilled mixing bowl. Whip just until the cream forms soft peaks, being careful not to overwhip. Keep refrigerated until ready to serve.
6. To serve, spoon portions of cut-up peaches onto individual plates. Place 2 cookies next to the peaches and top with soft whipped cream, if desired.

Variations

Try using different types of nuts in the shortbread, such as almonds or walnuts.
Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to the peaches for a warm, spicy flavor.
Drizzle the dessert with honey or caramel sauce for added sweetness.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to use ripe peaches for the best flavor and texture.

- Be careful not to overmix the pecan shortbread dough, as this can result in tough cookies.

- For a shortcut, you can use store-bought shortbread cookies instead of making your own.

- Feel free to customize this recipe by adding a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to the peaches for extra flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this dessert with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to peel the peaches before slicing them for a smoother texture.

- Cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy for the best shortbread cookies.

- Bake the cookies until they are golden but not brown to ensure a tender texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use canned peaches in place of fresh peaches if they are not in season.

- Substitute almond extract for the vanilla extract in the whipped cream for a different flavor profile.

- Use gluten-free flour to make this recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the peaches and shortbread cookies ahead of time and assemble the dessert just before serving.

- The whipped cream can be made up to a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the peaches and cookies on a platter in an attractive pattern for a beautiful presentation. - Garnish the dessert with a sprig of mint or a dusting of powdered sugar for a finishing touch.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve this dessert with a glass of sweet tea or a scoop of peach sorbet for a refreshing combination.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover dessert in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

- To reheat, place the dessert in the oven at 350°F (177°C) for a few minutes until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

- This dessert contains approximately 300 calories per serving.

Carbohydrates

- Peaches: 17g of carbohydrates per serving

- Pecan Shortbread: 18g of carbohydrates per serving

- Soft whipped cream: 4g of carbohydrates per serving

Fats

- Peaches: 0.4g of fat per serving

- Pecan Shortbread: 10g of fat per serving

- Soft whipped cream: 9g of fat per serving

Proteins

- Peaches: 1g of protein per serving

- Pecan Shortbread: 2g of protein per serving

- Soft whipped cream: 1g of protein per serving

Vitamins and minerals

Peaches are a good source of vitamin C and vitamin A.

- Pecans are rich in manganese, copper, and magnesium.

- Whipped cream provides calcium and vitamin D.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (butter, cream) and nuts (pecans).

Summary

This dessert is a moderate source of carbohydrates and fats, with a small amount of protein. It also provides some essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Southern Peaches with Pecan Shortbread is a delicious and satisfying dessert that combines the flavors of ripe peaches and buttery shortbread cookies. This recipe is perfect for a special occasion or a simple weeknight treat. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I knew I had to try it. It was a warm summer day, and I had just finished picking some fresh peaches from the orchard. As I was flipping through an old cookbook that belonged to my mother, a recipe for Southern Peaches with Pecan Shortbread caught my eye. The combination of sweet peaches and crunchy pecan shortbread sounded absolutely delightful to me.

I had never made this dish before, but I was determined to give it a try. I gathered all the ingredients I needed, including the ripe peaches, butter, sugar, flour, and of course, plenty of pecans. As I began to prepare the dish, memories of my childhood flooded back to me.

I remembered spending summers at my grandmother's house, where she would spend hours in the kitchen cooking up delicious meals for our big family. She always had a knack for creating the most amazing dishes, using recipes that had been passed down through generations.

One summer, I remember her making a similar dish with fresh peaches and a buttery shortbread topping. The aroma that filled her kitchen was absolutely intoxicating, and I couldn't wait to taste the final product. When she finally pulled the dish out of the oven, the peaches were tender and juicy, and the shortbread was perfectly golden brown. I took one bite and was instantly hooked.

As I continued to work on the Southern Peaches with Pecan Shortbread recipe, I thought about all the different people who had influenced my cooking over the years. From my grandmother's traditional Southern recipes to my mother's more modern twists on classic dishes, I had learned so much from the women in my family.

I also remembered the cooking classes I had taken over the years, where I had learned new techniques and flavors that I had incorporated into my own cooking style. Each experience had helped shape me into the cook I was today, and I was grateful for every lesson I had learned along the way.

Finally, after hours of preparation and baking, the Southern Peaches with Pecan Shortbread dish was ready. The peaches were soft and sweet, and the shortbread was crumbly and buttery. I couldn't wait to share this delicious dessert with my family and friends.

As I sat down to enjoy a piece of the Southern Peaches with Pecan Shortbread, I couldn't help but feel a sense of pride. Not only had I successfully recreated a beloved family recipe, but I had also added my own unique touch to it. The dish was a true reflection of my love for cooking and my appreciation for the culinary traditions that had been passed down to me.

I knew that this recipe would become a staple in my own collection, to be shared and enjoyed for years to come. And as I took another bite of the delicious dessert, I couldn't help but feel grateful for all the people and experiences that had led me to this moment. Cooking had always been a way for me to connect with my roots and express my creativity, and I was thankful for every opportunity I had to share my passion with others.

In the end, the Southern Peaches with Pecan Shortbread recipe had not only brought me joy and satisfaction, but it had also reminded me of the rich culinary heritage that I carried with me every time I stepped into the kitchen. And for that, I would be forever grateful.