Peaches in Red Wine – A Refreshing French Summer Dessert
Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 6 hours (refrigeration time)
Servings: 4
Calories: 285.8 per serving
This French-inspired dessert brings together the simplicity and elegance of summer peaches with the rich depth of red wine. A family recipe cherished for generations, it’s the perfect dish to make during peach season. Best of all, it requires no cooking—just a bit of prep and a long chill in the fridge to allow the flavors to meld.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Red wine | 600 ml (approx. half a bottle) |
| Sugar | 3/4 cup (150 grams) |
| Fresh ripe peaches | 6 large |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 285.8 kcal |
| Fat Content | 0.4 g |
| Saturated Fat Content | 0 g |
| Cholesterol Content | 0 mg |
| Sodium Content | 3.9 mg |
| Carbohydrate Content | 54.1 g |
| Fiber Content | 2.2 g |
| Sugar Content | 50.4 g |
| Protein Content | 1.4 g |
Instructions
Step 1: Peel the Peaches
Begin by peeling your fresh peaches. The easiest method to remove the skin is by blanching them briefly. Bring a pot of water to a boil, and gently drop the peaches in for about 10 seconds. Once they’re ready, transfer them into a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. The skins will slip right off without a fuss.
Step 2: Slice the Peaches
After peeling, slice the peaches into wedges. You can choose how thin or thick you want your slices depending on your preference.
Step 3: Prepare the Wine Mixture
Place the sliced peaches into a large bowl or dish. Pour red wine over the peaches until they are just covered. The type of red wine isn’t crucial, but ensure it’s a decent, drinkable variety. You don’t need to splurge on an expensive bottle; a mid-range wine like Côtes du Rhône (around $3-5) works beautifully for this recipe. The wine will infuse the peaches with a lovely, subtle richness.
Step 4: Add the Sugar
Stir in 3/4 cup of sugar. The sugar helps to balance the tanginess of the wine and enhances the natural sweetness of the peaches. Make sure the sugar dissolves well into the liquid, creating a syrupy consistency.
Step 5: Refrigerate and Let It Marinate
Cover the bowl and place it in the fridge for a minimum of 6 hours. The longer it sits, the better the flavors will develop, so you could even leave it overnight for a more intense infusion. The fruit will soak up the wine and sugar, creating a stunning combination of sweet and tart flavors.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Once the peaches have marinated, serve them in elegant glasses or small dishes. This dessert is simple yet refined—perfect for impressing guests. If you’d like to elevate it further, serve it alongside crunchy cookies or delicate macaroons for an extra touch of texture.
Tips for Perfection
- Wine Choice: While a good red wine is essential, you don’t need to spend a lot. Just make sure it’s something you would enjoy drinking on its own.
- Peach Selection: Ripe, in-season peaches work best for this recipe. If peaches are out of season, frozen peaches can be substituted, though they may lack the same texture.
- Chill Time: Remember, the minimum chill time is 6 hours, but letting it sit longer will result in a deeper flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dessert is not only incredibly simple but also an elegant way to showcase fresh summer peaches. The combination of the sweet, juicy fruit and the subtle complexity of the red wine creates a refreshing and light finish to any meal. It’s perfect for casual summer gatherings, formal dinners, or simply as a treat for yourself.
The best part? No cooking involved, and minimal prep time makes this recipe a breeze. Plus, it’s low in fat, cholesterol, and high in fiber, making it a guilt-free dessert option.
Variations
- Spiced Up Version: Add a cinnamon stick or a few cloves to the wine mixture for a warm, spiced version.
- Add Some Fruit: While peaches are the star here, you can mix in a few other fruits like berries or sliced apples for added variety.
- Alcohol-Free Version: Substitute the red wine with a grape juice or apple cider for a non-alcoholic alternative that still brings great flavor.
With its fresh, fruity sweetness and deep wine notes, Peaches in Red Wine is a refreshing dessert that captures the essence of summer in every bite. Whether you’re serving it at a dinner party or simply enjoying it on a quiet evening, this dessert will surely become a cherished family favorite.
