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Brandied Poached Peaches

4.4

(12)

This recipe is an accompaniment for Pistachio Blancmanges .

Active time: 20 min Start to finish: 1 hr

Cooks' note:

• Peaches can be poached and peeled 2 days ahead. Pour syrup over peaches and chill, covered. Bring to room temperature before serving.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    Makes 8 servings

Ingredients

2/3 cup sugar
1/2 cup fresh orange juice
2 cups water
5 (4-inch-long) strips fresh orange zest
1/2 vanilla bean, halved lengthwise
8 firm-ripe small peaches (2 to 2 1/2 lb total)
1 1/2 to 2 tablespoons brandy or Cognac

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Bring sugar, orange juice, water, zest, and vanilla bean to a boil in a 4-quart heavy saucepan, stirring until sugar is dissolved. Add peaches, stem ends up. Cover pan and reduce heat, then poach peaches at a bare simmer 8 minutes. Turn peaches over and continue to poach, covered, until tender, 7 to 8 minutes more.

    Step 2

    Transfer peaches with a slotted spoon to a bowl or shallow dish to cool, reserving poaching liquid in saucepan. Lift out vanilla bean pod and scrape seeds into poaching liquid, then boil liquid until reduced to about 1 cup, 10 to 15 minutes. Pour syrup through a sieve into a small bowl or glass measure and cool. Stir in brandy (to taste).

    Step 3

    Peel peaches and serve whole with syrup.

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