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Brandied Poached Peaches

This recipe is an accompaniment for Pistachio Blancmanges .

Active time: 20 min Start to finish: 1 hr

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

Need to make a substitution?

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.