Peach Butter

Sure! Here’s a recipe for Peach Butter — a delicious, smooth, and naturally sweet spread made from peaches, perfect for toast, biscuits, or as a topping for desserts.

Peach Butter Recipe

Ingredients:

• 4 pounds fresh ripe peaches (about 8-10 medium peaches)

• 1 cup granulated sugar (adjust based on peach sweetness)

• 1/2 cup brown sugar (optional, for deeper flavor)

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (to brighten flavor and preserve color)

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)

• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)

• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves (optional)

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Equipment:

• Large pot or slow cooker

• Blender or immersion blender

• Wooden spoon or spatula

• Sterilized jars or airtight containers for storage

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Peaches:

   • Wash the peaches thoroughly.

   • To peel easily, blanch peaches by boiling them for 30-60 seconds, then immediately transferring them to ice water.

   • The skins should slip off easily. Peel all peaches.

   • Pit the peaches and roughly chop the flesh.

2. Cook the Peaches:

   • Place the chopped peaches in a large pot or slow cooker.

   • Add lemon juice, sugar(s), and salt.

   • Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently to prevent burning.

   • As peaches soften, mash them with a potato masher or use an immersion blender to purée until smooth.

3. Add Spices:

   • Once the peaches are puréed, add cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves if using.

   • Continue to cook the mixture on low heat, stirring often.

4. Simmer to Thicken:

   • Keep cooking the peach mixture gently for 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring every 10 minutes.

   • The peach butter is done when it is thick, spreadable, and much of the moisture has evaporated.

   • To test, place a small spoonful on a cold plate. If it wrinkles when pushed with a finger, it’s ready.

5. Jar and Store:

   • Pour hot peach butter into sterilized jars.

   • Let cool completely.

   • Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks, or freeze for longer storage.

   • Alternatively, can the peach butter using a water bath canning method for shelf storage.

Tips:

• Adjust sugar to taste depending on how sweet your peaches are.

• Adding lemon juice helps preserve color and adds brightness.

• You can cook peach butter in a slow cooker on low for 6-8 hours for a “set it and forget it” method.

• Use peach butter on toast, pancakes, yogurt, or in baking recipes.