Ginger Bourbon Peaches Food

BOURBON PEACHES

Steps:

• Select your peaches, its best if you have a relationship with a particular orchard.
• I always buy my peaches at Gold's Orchard, in Stonewall, Texas.
• Lynette Gold gives me the heads up by email when to run on over and pick up those wonderful sweet perfect peaches that the family grows.
• Make sure that the peach is freestone.
• Bring a large pot filled half way with water to a boil, reduce the heat and keep just at a low boil.
• Place whole peaches in water for 2 minutes (this may vary, depending on the ripeness of the peach-the riper they are the shorter it will take) Remove from water, let cool until you can handle the fruit.
• Remove pit by slicing peach in half length-wise, then peel.
• Place fruit in clean hot jars (I use wide mouth jars for this).
• Pack tightly.
• Meanwhile, Take 4 cups sugar, 2 cups filtered water, 2 cups bourbon (I use Ira's Canadian Hunter) Cinnamon to taste, Nutmeg to taste and Allspice berries- about 10 or so- bring to a boil, stir until sugar is dissolved- let simmer while peeling peaches.
• Should be reduced by 1/3.
• Ladle bourbon syrup over peaches, leaving about 1 inch head space at the top of the jar.
• Use new seals and clean rings, screwing tightly down on the top of the jar.
• Place jars in boiling water bath for 45 minutes.
• When you remove the jars from the water bath, the bourbon syrup should still be boiling.
• Set jars aside, allow to cool.

GINGER-PEACH JAM

Steps:

• Bring peaches, ginger, and pectin to a boil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the sugar and butter; cook and stir until the sugar is dissolved. Return to a boil, stirring constantly for 1 minute more. Remove from heat, and skim off any foam with a spoon.
• Sterilize the jars and lids in boiling water for at least 5 minutes. Pack the peach jam into the hot, sterilized jars, filling the jars to within 1/4 inch of the top. Run a knife or a thin spatula around the insides of the jars after they have been filled to remove any air bubbles. Wipe the rims of the jars with a moist paper towel to remove any food residue. Top with lids, and screw on rings.
• Place a rack in the bottom of a large stockpot and fill halfway with water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then carefully lower the jars into the pot using a holder. Leave a 2 inch space between the jars. Pour in more boiling water if necessary until the water level is at least 1 inch above the tops of the jars. Bring the water to a full boil, cover the pot, and process for 10 minutes.
• Remove the jars from the stockpot and place onto a cloth-covered or wood surface, several inches apart, until cool. Once cool, press the top of each lid with a finger, ensuring that the seal is tight (lid does not move up or down at all). Store in a cool, dark area.

PEACH, GINGER, AND BOURBON

Steps:

• Combine 3 cups sliced peeled peaches, frozen + 2 tablespoons finely grated peeled ginger + 6 ounces bourbon + 3 ounces simple syrup + 2 ounces fresh lemon juice + 2 cups ice optional garnish: Sage sprigs

BOURBON, PEACH AND GINGER JAM

Steps:

• In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the peaches, sugar and ginger. Cook for 10 minutes, stirring every couple minutes. Pour in the bourbon, lemon juice and zest. Simmer until thickened, about 20 minutes. Stir every couple minutes to prevent scorching. Stir in the salt. Store refrigerated for up to 1 month.