Brandied Peach Parfaits Food

BRANDIED PEACHES

Steps:

• Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Using the tip of a paring knife, make a shallow "X" in the bottom of each peach. Add the peaches, one at a time, to the boiling water and cook for 1 minute. Remove the peach from the water and plunge into a bowl of ice water. Repeat with the remaining peaches. Peel off the skins, then pit the fruit and quarter the flesh.
• In another large pot, combine 3 cups water and the sugar and bring to a boil. Add the peaches and simmer until just soft.
• Have the jars, bands and new lids scalded and ready. (To scald, dip the jars and rims in boiling water. You don't need to sterilize the jars, as you will be processing them for more than 10 minutes.) Simmer the lids in hot water to soften the rubberized flange. Gently pack the peaches into the jars.
• Boil the leftover syrup until it thickens slightly, then spoon it over the fruit, filling the jars ¾ full. Use a butter knife to release any air bubbles caught in the jars. Pour in enough brandy to fill the jars, leaving ¼ inch of headroom. Wipe the rims, cover with the lids and screw on the bands fingertip-tight. Place the jars on a rack in a big pot and cover with 2 to 3 inches of water. Cover the pot and bring to a boil over high heat, then lower the heat to medium and gently boil for 20 minutes. Remove the cover and then, after about 5 minutes, remove the jars. Allow them to cool, untouched, for 4 to 6 hours. Check the seals and store in a cool, dark place for up to a year. Refrigerate after opening.

BRANDIED PEACH PARFAITS

Steps:

• Cut a shallow X in bottom of each peach with a sharp paring knife and blanch in a 3-quart saucepan of boiling water 10 seconds. Transfer peaches with a slotted spoon to a bowl of ice and cold water and let stand until cool enough to handle. Peel peaches, then halve lengthwise and pit. Cut peaches into 1-inch pieces, then toss with lemon juice and 2 tablespoons brandy in a bowl.
• Cook sugar in a dry 9- to 10-inch heavy skillet over moderately low heat, stirring slowly with a fork (to help sugar melt evenly), until melted and pale golden. Cook caramel, without stirring, swirling skillet, until deep golden. Carefully add peach mixture (caramel will harden and steam vigorously) and cook, stirring frequently, until caramel is dissolved and peaches are tender, about 5 minutes. Transfer to a bowl and cool to room temperature, stirring occasionally, then stir in remaining tablespoon brandy.
• Spoon 2 tablespoons peach mixture into each glass, then top with a small scoop of ice cream. Repeat with another layer of peaches and ice cream and spoon remaining peaches on top. Serve immediately.

BRANDIED STRAWBERRIES

Steps:

• Combine the sugar, orange and lemon zest and 3/4 cup water in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a simmer and cook 5 minutes, stirring to dissolve the sugar.
• Remove from the heat and stir in the strawberries and brandy; let cool to room temperature, 1 to 2 hours. Ladle the strawberries and syrup into a large jar (or multiple smaller jars) and refrigerate at least 24 hours or up to 2 months.

BRANDIED PEACH FOOL

Steps:

• In a saucepan, combine the peaches, sugar and brandy. Cook over medium heat until peaches become tender, about 10 minutes. Remove peaches from the heat and refrigerate until completely cooled. Fold cooled fruit mixture into whipped cream. Refrigerate for several hours. Serve in chilled brandy snifter glasses. Garnish with a few sliced peaches.

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.

SAVORY PEACH PARFAIT

Steps:

• Spoon 1/3 cup yogurt into a 6- to 8-ounce parfait glass or jar. Top yogurt with 1/2 of the peaches, 1/2 of the pine nuts, and 1/2 of the balsamic glaze. Repeat layers with the remaining yogurt, peaches, pine nuts, and balsamic glaze. Top parfait with basil.

BRANDIED PEACHES

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350°F
• Drain peaches, reserving 3/4 cup syrup.
• Crumble mincemeat in a saucepan and add syrup.
• Boil, stirring for 3-4 minutes or until thickened.
• Add brandy and boil 1 minute longer.
• Place peach halves in baking dish.
• Spoon mince-meat mixture over peaches.
• Bake 15 Minutes.
• After removing from oven sprinkle with pecans if desired.