Imagine a dessert so luxurious it transforms ordinary peaches into a wine-soaked masterpiece that will transport you straight to the rolling hills of Tuscany. This elegant Italian dessert combines the delicate sweetness of ripe peaches, the rich depth of red wine, and the creamy comfort of cinnamon ice cream, creating a symphony of flavors that will leave your guests absolutely spellbound. Get ready to elevate your dessert game with this show-stopping recipe that looks and tastes like it was crafted by a professional pastry chef!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 ripe peaches
- 1 bottle red wine
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 pint cinnamon ice cream
Instructions
- Begin by preparing the peaches. Bring a pot of water to a boil. Carefully add the peaches to the boiling water and blanch them for about 30 seconds. This will help loosen the skin.
- Using a slotted spoon, transfer the peaches to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. Allow them to cool for a few minutes, then gently peel the skins off. Cut the peaches in half and remove the pits.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the red wine, sugar, and cinnamon stick. Stir the mixture over medium heat until the sugar has completely dissolved.
- Once the sugar is dissolved, add the peeled peach halves to the saucepan. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Allow the peaches to poach for about 10-15 minutes, or until they are tender but still hold their shape.
- Carefully remove the poached peaches from the saucepan and place them on a serving platter. Increase the heat and let the poaching liquid simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes to reduce and concentrate the flavors.
- Once the liquid has thickened slightly, remove it from the heat and discard the cinnamon stick. Drizzle the spiced wine reduction over the poached peaches on the serving platter.
- To serve, scoop the cinnamon ice cream into bowls or on top of the poached peaches. Optionally, you can garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon or a fresh mint leaf for added color and flavor.
- Enjoy your Poached Peaches in Spiced Wine with Cinnamon Ice Cream as a delightful Italian dessert!
Tips
- Choose perfectly ripe, firm peaches for the best texture and flavor. They should yield slightly when gently pressed but not be mushy.
- When blanching peaches, have your ice water ready to stop the cooking process immediately. This ensures easy skin removal and prevents overcooking.
- Use a good quality red wine that you would enjoy drinking. A medium-bodied wine like Merlot or Pinot Noir works wonderfully.
- Keep the poaching liquid at a gentle simmer, not a rolling boil, to maintain the peaches' delicate structure.
- For an extra flavor boost, you can add a splash of vanilla extract or a few whole cloves to the poaching liquid.
- If you want a more intense wine reduction, let it simmer a bit longer to create a syrupy consistency.
- Serve immediately after preparation to enjoy the peaches at their peak temperature and texture.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 25mg
