New Zealand Brandied Peaches Recipes

PEACHES IN BRANDY

Steps:

• Prepare peaches (dip peaches into boiled water, then into ice-cold water--skins will slip off; then halve and twist to remove the pit).
• Make a syrup with the sugar & water in a large sauce-pan; stir mixture until it boils.
• To the boiling syrup, add peach halves and extract.
• When fruit is cooked (5-7 min), remove pan from heat, drain (reserve); cool fruits and spoon carefully into prepared jars.
• Half fill jars with reserved syrup, run a butter knife down the jar to remove air bubbles; fill jars to the top with BRANDY.
• Seal jars with lids, shake gently to mix syrup and brandy.
• Store in a cool dark place--use within six months.
• I've also added a pinch of cinnamon and cloves with VERY good results.

FRIENDSHIP FRUIT STARTER

Steps:

• In a large glass jar, combine drained pineapple chunks, drained apricot slices, drained sliced peaches, drained maraschino cherries, brandy and sugar. Stir gently with wooden spoon. Cover and let stand at room temperature for 3 weeks, stirring at least twice a week. Drain and reserve the liquid - This liquid is your starter for the Thirty Day Friendship Cake.

NEW ZEALAND BRANDIED PEACHES

Steps:

• Special equipment: 1 x 2 liter sealable glass jar or 2 x 1 liter sealable glass jars.
• Sterilize the jar/s by boiling in water for 2 minutes. Dry with a clean cloth and set aside until needed.
• Use a small, sharp knife to cut a small cross at the base of each peach. Place peaches in a large, deep bowl and cover with boiling water. Allow peaches to sit for 2-3 minutes.
• Transfer one peach to a plate. Try to peel the skin off. If it comes off easily then drain and peel the remaining peaches. If not, let them sit in the boiling water for a further minute or so.
• Cut peaches into quarters and then halve again. Discard the stones. Arrange peaches in layers in the jar alternating with layers of caster sugar. Place the vanilla pod down one side of the jar/s.
• Pour over the brandy making sure the peaches are completely covered. Seal tightly then shake gently to help dissolve the sugar.
• Place jar/s in a cool, dark place for 3 months. Make sure you shake the jar gently once a week.
• After 3 months serve brandied peaches with pancakes, ice-cream or enjoy with a dollop of clotted cream for dessert.

BRANDY BAKED PEACHES

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Prepare a baking dish with cooking spray.
• Arrange peaches cut-side up in the prepared baking dish.
• Put butter in a saucepan over medium-low heat, add almonds, and heat together until butter melts, about 2 minutes. Stir honey, brown sugar, and cinnamon into the melted butter; bring to a simmer and add brandy and salt. Stir to dissolve the salt, remove saucepan from heat, and add vanilla extract; pour the mixture over the peaches.
• Bake peaches in preheated oven until the peaches are cooked through, about 30 minutes.

BRANDIED PEACHES

Steps:

• Insert 2 cloves in each whole, peeled peach.
• Make a syrup of the sugar and water.
• Beat the egg white to a froth and add to the syrup; skim.
• Add fruit, one layer at a time, and boil for five minutes.
• Pack in sterilized jars.
• Boil the syrup about ten minutes more, or until thickened.
• Remove from heat, add brandy and pour over the fruit.
• Seal at once in a boiling water bath.