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Balsamic Macerated Strawberries and Peaches makes a wonderful topping for vanilla ice cream.
A few weekends ago, we enjoyed a delicious brunch at the home of our friends, Sandi and David (we’ve mentioned them before here and here). As always, their delicious home-cooked meals inspire us with new recipe ideas – and that’s how this Balsamic Macerated Strawberries and Peaches recipe came about.
What is macerated fruit?
Macerating fruit is basically soaking fruit in liquid and sugar to soften it and release the natural juices.
Similar to marinating, the fruits will pick up the flavors of the liquid while they macerate, so you can also create some wonderful flavor combinations.
How do you make Balsamic Macerated Strawberries and Peaches?
In the case of today’s Balsamic Macerated Strawberries and Peaches, ripe chopped peaches were soaked overnight in a mixture of balsamic vinegar, agave, fresh mint and a pinch of freshly ground black pepper. We also added a couple of tablespoons a Grand Marnier, an orange liqueur – but this is optional.
A few hours before serving, we added chopped, fresh strawberries to the mixture – allowing them to macerate for about two hours. (Peaches are a firmer fruit so they required more time to macerate than the strawberries.) We also added some powdered sugar to the mixture to thicken the juices into a luscious syrup.
How do you serve Balsamic Macerated Strawberries and Peaches?
This macerated fruit is absolutely fantastic served over vanilla ice cream. The creamy, sweet ice cream is perfectly complemented by the sweet, rich, slightly-tart Balsamic Marinated Peaches and Strawberries.
We brought these Balsamic Macerated Strawberries and Peaches to a July 4th party in the neighborhood, and everyone loved it – even the kids! (Our neighbor’s 89-year-old mother enjoyed it so much, she asked to keep all of the leftovers!) 😊
You may enjoy these other Fruit desserts:
We love seeing what you made! Tag us on Instagram at @afamilyfeast or hashtag #afamilyfeast so we can see your creations!
Balsamic Macerated Strawberries and Peaches
Balsamic Macerated Strawberries and Peaches makes a wonderful topping for vanilla ice cream.
Ingredients
4 very ripe peaches *
2 tablespoons orange liqueur such as Grand Marnier (optional)
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
1/2 cup agave
1 tablespoon minced fresh mint
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 pound ripe strawberries
1/2 cup powdered sugar
2 quarts vanilla ice cream
Instructions
Peel peaches and remove the stone, then dice into small pieces and place in a medium bowl.
In a small bowl whisk orange liqueur, vinegar, agave, mint and pepper and pour over the peaches.
Cover and refrigerate overnight. *
Two hours before serving, remove stems from strawberries and coarsely chop and add to peach mixture along with powdered sugar.
Let sit for two hours then serve over bowls of vanilla ice cream.
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Notes
*Depending on how ripe your peaches are, you may need to cook them for a few minutes to soften further. After macerating the peaches overnight and prior to adding the strawberries, pour the peaches and liquid into a small sauce pan and bring to a boil and simmer for up to five minutes to soften the peach pieces. Let cool to room temperature before adding the strawberries and powdered sugar.
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