Peaches and cream with cognac is a super summer dessert! So easy to make, and perfect for enjoying with friends and family at the end of a hot day.
Originally published July 22, 2012
You may have noticed that I’ve posted pictures of relatives along with recipes, and that’s because almost everyone in my family loves to cook. UPDATE: since this original post, I’ve added many more recipes from family.
After all, we’re Italian–it goes with the territory!
My cousin, Gianfranco, who lives in Italy, has a serious sweet tooth and loves to bake and make desserts. However, there’s usually one common ingredient in everything he makes: some type of liquor (see proof below!)
an old pic of Gianfranco, he’s not drunk, he’s blinking! :)
another oldie of us cooking pizza together: do we look like we know what we’re doing?
Once, when I was at Gianfranco’s house, I noticed him slicing peaches and pouring cognac over them. He then put the dish in the fridge and told me it was his dessert for later! What a fabulous treat!
You may also like this peach dessert recipe.
Of course, being from Britain, I had an idea to make it even better–cream! Peaches and cream go together like cheese and wine, so here’s my version of Gianfranco’s superb fresh peaches and cream and cognac dessert.You can make it his way, as it’s much less fattening and healthier, but I must say, I like the British-Italian version the best!
NOTE: if you are serving this to children or anyone who doesn’t want the added alcohol, just add a squeeze of lemon to the peaches to keep them from going brown, then toss. Serve with the cream.
Peaches and Cream (and Cognac)!
- fresh, ripe peach (or peaches – 1 small peach per serving)
- good quality cognac, or brandy
- fresh cream (double cream in the UK, in the US, beat lightly for a thicker consistency)
Cut the peach(es) into slices and place in a serving bowl. Then, pour some cognac over the fruit (as much or as little as you like).
REFRIGERATE FOR AT LEAST HALF AN HOUR to let the fruit macerate. (If your peaches aren’t very sweet or flavorful, add a tiny sprinkle of sugar).
When you’re ready to serve, just pour some cream on top of the peach slices.
Peaches and cream and cognac
Delizioso!
Peaches and Cream (and Cognac!)
Ingredients
- fresh cream (double cream in the UK, in the US, beat lightly for a thicker consistency)
- good quality cognac, or brandy
- fresh, ripe peach (or peaches - 1 small peach per serving)
Instructions
Cut the peach(es) into slices and place in a serving bowl. Then, pour some cognac over the fruit (as much or as little as you like).
REFRIGERATE FOR AT LEAST HALF AN HOUR to let the fruit macerate. (If your peaches aren't very sweet or flavorful, add a tiny sprinkle of sugar).
When you're ready to serve, just pour some cream on top of the peach slices
Just another example of why we don’t need crazy desserts loaded with a million ingredients. Sometimes just a simple preparation of a perfect peach is the best dessert!
Agreed!
Christina, these photos are gorgeous! The colors are so vibrant and I really, really want to have that dessert. I can’t get enough stone fruit during the summer, and with the cream and cognac, oh my!
Thanks, Valentina! Yes, it’s too bad it’s such a short season!
Peaches and cream really were meant for each others, there’s no denying it. And sure, I’d have no objection to a drizzle of cognac, either… :-)
Ha Ha! I bet!
That looks rather refreshing in more ways than one, Christina! Beautiful photos too. Oh aye, Gianfranco’s just blinking … just joking. Looks great family fun! And in this heat we could all do with something that’s easy to make and fruity!
Ha ha! You’re right though, no one wants to turn the oven on in the summer heat!
What a perfect and simple summer dessert!
It really is! THanks, David!
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Christina, these pictures are so mouthwatering! I love peaches and cream, but to put the cognac with it, just kicks it up a few notches for sure. What fabulous memories to have cooked with your cousin. That pizza looked good too! Thanks for sharing…. Dottie :)
Peaches are great.. and cognac makes it even better ;)
Good point, Medeja! :)