Bourbon-Poached Peaches

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Photo: Joseph De Leo
Prep Time:
30 mins
Total Time:
2 hrs 30 mins
Yield:
5 12-ounce jars

Summer's sweetest fruit is perfect when you simmer it in a heady bourbon syrup and pack it into jars. Spoon these peaches and syrup over vanilla ice cream, sweetened sour cream, waffles, or pancakes. Download the label.

Ingredients

  • 4 pounds peaches (about 12)

  • 2 ½ cups sugar

  • 2 vanilla beans, split and scraped, pods reserved

  • 1 cup bourbon

Directions

  1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Meanwhile, prepare an ice-water bath. Cut a small X into the bottom of each peach. Boil peaches for 1 minute.

  2. Transfer to ice-water bath. Let cool slightly. Peel and pit peaches, and cut into 3/4-inch-thick wedges.

  3. Bring 4 cups water, the sugar, and vanilla seeds and pods to a boil in a large saucepan, stirring until sugar dissolves. Add peaches and bourbon. Simmer until peaches are tender but still hold their shape, 5 to 7 minutes.

  4. Transfer peaches to a large bowl using a slotted spoon. Cook syrup over mediumheat until reduced by half, about 15 minutes. Pour over peaches. Let cool completely.

  5. Divide peaches among five 12-ounce sterilized jars using a slotted spoon. (Jars can be sterilized by boiling in water, submerged, for 10 minutes.) Pour syrup over tops. Add vanilla pods to jars if desired. Seal jars, and refrigerate until ready to use.

Cook's Notes

Peaches can be refrigerated for up to 1 month. Canned peaches can be stored at room temperature for up to 3 months.

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