Spiced Peaches

Spiced Peaches Recipe - A Delicious Vegetarian Dish from USA

Region / culture: USA | Servings: 6 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Spiced peaches are a delicious and versatile treat that can be enjoyed on their own or used in a variety of dishes. The combination of sweet peaches with warm spices creates a unique and flavorful dish that is sure to impress.

History

Spiced peaches have a long history in Southern cuisine, where they are often served as a side dish or dessert. The combination of sweet peaches with warm spices like cinnamon and cloves has been a favorite for generations.

Ingredients

4 cups of sugar
3 cups of malt vinegar
peel and juice from 1 lemon
6 cloves
6 allspice berries
1 cinnamon stick
4 lb (1.81 kg) of firm peaches, peeled, halved and pitted

How to prepare

In a large nonreactive pan, combine sugar and vinegar over low heat. Stir until the sugar dissolves. Tie lemon peel, cloves, and allspice in a square of cheesecloth. Add peaches and simmer until they are just tender, approximately 15 to 20 minutes. Carefully remove the peaches with a slotted spoon and arrange them in warmed sterilized jars. Boil the sugar until it thickens, which should take about 10 minutes. Then, pour the thickened sugar over the peaches. Add lemon rind, cloves, and a cinnamon stick to the jar for decoration. Once cooled, seal the jars and store them for up to 2 months.

Variations

For a different flavor profile, try adding ginger or star anise to the spiced peaches. You can also experiment with different types of vinegar, such as apple cider or balsamic.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

When making spiced peaches, be sure to use firm peaches that are ripe but not overly soft. This will ensure that the peaches hold their shape during cooking. Additionally, be sure to sterilize your jars before filling them with the peaches to ensure a safe and long-lasting product.

Serving Suggestions

Spiced peaches can be served on their own as a dessert or side dish, or used as a topping for ice cream or yogurt. They can also be used in savory dishes like pork or chicken.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making spiced peaches is to simmer them gently until they are just tender. Be sure not to overcook them, as they can become mushy.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have malt vinegar, you can use apple cider vinegar as a substitute. You can also use canned peaches in place of fresh peaches if they are not in season.

Make Ahead Tips

Spiced peaches can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 months. Be sure to seal the jars tightly to ensure freshness.

Presentation Ideas

Serve spiced peaches in a decorative jar or bowl for a beautiful presentation. You can also garnish them with a sprig of fresh mint or a sprinkle of cinnamon.

Pairing Recommendations

Spiced peaches pair well with a variety of dishes, including roasted meats, grilled chicken, and cheese platters. They also make a delicious topping for pancakes or waffles.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store spiced peaches in a cool, dark place for up to 2 months. Once opened, store them in the refrigerator and use within 1 week. To reheat, simply microwave or heat gently on the stovetop.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of spiced peaches contains approximately 120 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of spiced peaches contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Spiced peaches are low in fat, with each serving containing less than 1 gram of fat.

Proteins

Spiced peaches are not a significant source of protein, with each serving containing less than 1 gram of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Spiced peaches are a good source of vitamin C, with each serving containing approximately 10% of the recommended daily intake. They also contain small amounts of vitamin A and potassium.

Alergens

Spiced peaches do not contain any common allergens such as nuts, dairy, or gluten.

Summary

Spiced peaches are a low-calorie, low-fat treat that is a good source of vitamin C and potassium.

Summary

Spiced peaches are a delicious and versatile treat that can be enjoyed on their own or used in a variety of dishes. With their sweet and spicy flavor, they are sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of discovering this recipe for the first time is a happy one. I remember it like it was yesterday, even though it was actually many years ago. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Martha in her quaint little farmhouse on the outskirts of town.

Martha was known for her delicious home-cooked meals, and I always looked forward to our visits because I knew I would be treated to some of her mouth-watering dishes. On this particular day, Martha invited me into her kitchen to help her prepare a special treat - spiced peaches.

I had never heard of spiced peaches before, but Martha assured me that they were a southern delicacy that I simply had to try. She showed me how to peel and pit the peaches, and then we simmered them in a sweet and spicy syrup made from cinnamon, cloves, and sugar. The aroma that filled her kitchen was heavenly, and I knew I was in for a real treat.

As we sat down to enjoy our spiced peaches, Martha told me the story of how she learned to make them. She explained that the recipe had been passed down through her family for generations, and that she had learned it from her own grandmother when she was just a young girl.

Martha's grandmother was a wonderful cook, and she had a knack for creating simple yet delicious dishes using only the freshest ingredients. She taught Martha everything she knew about cooking, and the spiced peaches recipe was one of her favorites.

I savored every bite of the spiced peaches that day, and I knew that I had to learn how to make them myself. Martha graciously shared her recipe with me, and I made a mental note to add it to my collection of family favorites.

Over the years, I have made spiced peaches many times, always thinking of Martha and her dear grandmother as I prepare them. Each time I cook up a batch, the sweet and spicy aroma brings back memories of that warm summer day in Martha's kitchen, and I am filled with gratitude for the special friendships and family traditions that have enriched my life.

I have shared the recipe for spiced peaches with my own grandchildren now, passing on not just a delicious dish, but a piece of our family history. I hope that they will enjoy making and eating spiced peaches as much as I do, and that they will carry on the tradition for generations to come.

As I sit here in my kitchen, peeling and slicing fresh peaches for another batch of spiced peaches, I can't help but smile as I think back on that happy day so many years ago. The simple joy of cooking and sharing a meal with loved ones is a gift that I cherish, and I am grateful for the memories and traditions that have shaped me into the cook I am today.