You know how they say that the first time is always the best?
The first time I ever tried to make a Valentine’s Day dessert, I searched the family cookbooks (this was before every recipe ever concocted could be found online) for something appropriate.
Nothing.
So I decided to check my Mom’s recipe box, and was surprised to come upon a recipe — handwritten on a 3×5-inch index card, as all her recipes were — for “Peaches With Riesling.”
That sounded good, and better still, the instructions indicated that it was super-easy to make. So I decided to give it a try.
These are the ingredients:
- 2½ cups Riesling
- ¼ cup sugar
- ½ vanilla bean, split and scraped
- 5 sprigs tarragon
- 4 peaches (ripe but firm)
- Whipped cream
Here’s what Mom wrote on the card…
- Put Riesling, sugar, vanilla bean and one tarragon sprig in saucepan. Bring to a boil, then turn down heat.
- Cut peaches in half and remove pits. Add peaches to saucepan and let them simmer. Turn every so often, checking on how tender they are. (Water temperature should be just below boiling.)
- When peaches are tender, remove from heat and allow them to cool completely. When cooled, refrigerate for 90 minutes.
- Top each peach with whipped cream, and garnish with a tarragon sprig.
My Mom’s recipe card did not mention the following, so I will add it here: This dessert is delicious with a glass of Riesling.
Here are a couple other wine-related desserts I’ve heard good things about, and will be trying soon:
- Blueberry Cabernet Cheesecake Popsicles – This recipe is made with Cabernet Sauvignon.
- Almost-Instant Sweet Wine Ice Cream – This recipe is made with the types of wine you’ll encounter in the Light & Sweet Wine Club.
Almost any sweet treat is appreciated on Valentine’s Day. When wine is part of the recipe, it adds to the enjoyment. And when you make the dessert with your own hands, you’ll score big-time romance points.
