Spiced Peaches

2 1/2 pounds Fresh Peaches (about 6 depending on size) peeled, pits removed, sliced

2 cups Brown Sugar
1 1/2 cups Apple Cider Vinegar
2 Cinnamon Sticks
4 Cloves (whole)
6 Star Anise (whole)
1/2 teaspoon ground Allspice

Plunge peaches in boiling water for 30 seconds for easy peeling.  I use a potato peeler.  Remove pits and slice each peach into 8 slices. 
Put peaches in jars, don’t overcrowd.

In a medium saucepan combine sugar, vinegar and spices. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and continue boiling 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat.  Remove the cinnamon sticks, star anise and cloves from the liquid.  Please spices equally in jars. Pour liquid into jar over peaches.  If you need a little more liquid add boiling water.  Fill to within 1” from the top of the jar. Place lids on jars and leave out for one hour.  Refrigerate for 24-48 hours, gently turning the jars occasionally upside down and back upright to distribute the sediment from the bottom.

Since this is a refrigerated canning method it is recommended that they be used within 2-3 weeks. 

~Source: I combined the best of three recipes I found on the internet so I guess that’s the magic number to say this version is MINE. 

Patti’s Notes: To remove pits I cut the peach in half and twist which usually works but if your peaches aren’t very ripe you may have to cut in half again in the other direction and coax out with your knife.  Then cut each half into four slices. 

Serving Suggestions: Serve warm as a side dish for grilled meats or sausage. Serve cold as toppings for ice cream, pancakes, waffles, cottage cheese. Serve over ice as an adult beverage with vodka or sparkling wine. I’m also seeing it on top of pound cake or Angel food cake (with or without ice cream and/or Cool Whip). 

 

Experiment # 1: Cocktail time. I made a cocktail with 2 tablespoons of the spice liquid, two peach slices, a shot of vodka, added ice and topped 7-up.  :TwoThumbsUp: 

Experiment # 2: For breakfast I topped some Greek yogurt with the spiced peaches.  Meh.  It was okay but a little too tangy (and I like tangy).  I think it would be better over cottage cheese for breakfast. 
Experiment # 3: Waffle, spiced peaches, Cool Whip Lite = M-M-Good. 

Maybe next time I’ll make Spiced Pears using the same method.  Spiced pears, not so good.