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This recipe for Bourbon Poached Peaches is simply amazing! Delicious over ice cream too!
There is an abundance of peaches in the market this year so we’ve stocked up! And today’s recipe for Bourbon Poached Peaches is the first of several peach-inspired recipes we’re sharing with you this week.
Jack and I were joking with each other over the weekend because we are two people who never actually drink bourbon – but we sure do like to cook with it! (You may have seen our earlier recipes using bourbon such as our barbecue chicken wings, barbecue sauce, sautéed mushrooms, and cinnamon rolls.)
And these bourbon poached peaches…oh my!
How do you make Bourbon Poached Peaches?
The peach slices have been gently simmered in a mixture of water, sugar, bourbon and vanilla until perfectly tender. Then the poaching liquid was boiled some more and reduced to an amazingly good syrup. The flavors of the bourbon syrup are reminiscent of a buttery caramel with hints of vanilla, and it is really delicious with the sweet peaches that have also absorbed the same wonderful bourbon-vanilla flavors.
We served these bourbon poached peaches over our vanilla ice cream – and as we ate this dish (immediately) after taking our photos (we couldn’t wait!), Jack was unusually quiet as he ate. Then he let out a deep, satisfied, “Mmmmmmmmm!” Trust me – you’ll want to make this recipe as soon as possible!
Adapted from Martha Stewart Living.
You may also like these other Peach recipes:
- Grilled Balsamic Peaches
- Fresh Pineapple Peach Smoothie
- 25+ Perfect Peach Recipes
- Peach Butter
- Bourbon Peach BBQ Sauce
We love seeing what you made! Tag us on Instagram at @afamilyfeast or hashtag #afamilyfeast so we can see your creations!
Bourbon Poached Peaches
These peaches may also be canned and stored at room temperature for up to three months. Adapted from Martha Stewart Living
Ingredients
- 2 pounds of yellow peaches (approximately 5-6)
- 1 vanilla bean
- 2 cups water
- 1 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup bourbon
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil. While that is heating, fill a large bowl full of ice water (this will be used as an ice bath).
- With a sharp knife, cut a small X in the bottom of each peach. When the water comes to a boil, carefully place the peaches into the water and cook for 1 minute. (Cooking for much longer than 1 minute will make the peaches very soft to handle, so be sure to time this step. No need to bring the water back to a boil before you start timing the minute.)
- With a slotted spoon, transfer the peaches to the ice water bath and let cool slightly.
- Once the peaches have cooled, peel and pit the peaches and cut into ¾-inch thick wedges. (If you aren’t able to get the pit out easily – like me – try cutting the wedges all around the peach while the pit is still intact, and then use a knife to pry each wedge off the pit.)
- Cut the vanilla bean in half the long way and with the tip of a knife, scrape out all of the seeds. In a medium pot, place the vanilla seeds and pod in with the two cups of water and the sugar. Bring to a boil, stirring so that the sugar completely dissolves.
- Add the peaches and bourbon and simmer for about 5-7 minutes or until the peaches are tender but still hold their shape. Over ripe peaches may be done sooner.
- Transfer peaches to a bowl using a slotted spoon. Continue to cook the syrup over medium heat until reduced to two cups, about 15-20 minutes. Pour the syrup over the peaches and let cool completely.
- Store peaches in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to a month – but I predict they won’t last that long!
- These peaches may also be canned and stored at room temperature for up to three months.
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This recipe is outstanding! I had a family gathering last and served a really good spread of foods (wood fired sourdough pizza, pork belly burnt ends, fruit tart, peppered beef on sourdough, and more) including these peaches. The peaches were a hands down favorite of the night. I had canned some and the cans went home with people. I plan to used the rest of my fresh peaches for more, which I will can for later.
Thanks Roger – so glad the peaches were a hit!
Made my first batch today, and wish i had more peaches! That sweet juice with the hint of bourbon is the bomb!! I need to get more peaches and will can them next time!
Glad you liked the DJ! (BTW – I’m not sure if these are safe to can…)
Hey! Can you share how many and what size jars you used? Thanks!
Hi Meghan – it’s been a while since we made the recipe 🙂 but the recipe yield lists that the recipe filled a 24 ounce jar with both peaches and juices. Hope that helps!
Why can they be only stored for 3 months. Can they be processed in a canner and kept for over the winter?
Hi Lisa – Three months was the recommended storage length from the original recipe. We haven’t stored these for any longer ourselves so can’t say if they will last longer than the 3 months.
I love this recipe for several reasons. First it made my house smell delicious (like it was a holiday!), second it was very easy it make (I used vanilla extract as I couldn’t find vanilla beans), third the peaches came out with the right texture and flavor (sweet with a hint of bourbon). It also got my hubby eating fruit, which is always a challenge. Finally the extra syrup can be used for other things (pancakes, basting pork chops, etc.). Will be making every time peaches are in season. Thank you Martha!
Thanks Adriana! So glad you enjoyed the recipe!
These look so good! My mom used to can when I was little and I’d love to start. Peaches seem like the perfect place to start. Got any tips? Thanks for a delicious recipe to try!
Hi Holly! Here’s a link to a website that we have referenced in the past: http://www.pickyourown.org/allaboutcanning.htm. Hope this helps! Thanks for visiting our site – Martha
Can I come over for your peach week??!! I love peaches! Makes me wish I had some vanilla ice cream right now. I’ve got the peaches & bourbon!
Meghan – you don’t need an invitation! Come on over! LOL – thanks for stopping by!