Wine and popsicles…together as one…There couldn’t possibly be a better way to beat the summer heat!
A few months back, I moved to a vineyard in Northern California’s wine country following my dreams to cook in a world-renowned restaurant. It is the first time in my life I have lived in an area with such abundant land. I have never tasted fresh picked fruits and vegetables before moving here….I had no idea what I was missing out on!!!! One of my favorite “new” discoveries are fresh picked Dry Creek Peaches, I promise you, these things are better than candy! Oh so sweet and oh so juicy! Okay. So here we go: Yesterday evening, I was sitting on my patio taking in the sunset over the vineyards…it sounds picture perfect but what you’re not imagining is the sweat dripping off my nose and an uncontrolable thirst not even water could cure. Even at sunset, it was still a blazing 90 degrees and in these neck of the woods, there are no air conditionings! Anyway, this is when it dawned on me: Combine the wine produced from my gorgeous grapevines with candy-esque peaches and freeze!!!!!!! Voila, Wine-sicles!!!!!!
yields: 10 Wine-sicles
Prep Time: 30 Minutes
Total Time: 8 Hours
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INGREDIENTS:
3-4 Large Fresh Peaches (1-3/4 Cup after being pureed)
1-1/4 Cup Moscato Wine
3/4 Cup sugar
1/2 Cup Water
1/4 Cup fresh Ginger Root
TBSP Lemon Zest
TSP Fresh squeezed Lemon Juice
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DIRECTIONS:
1. Using a sharp knife, peel and pit each peach and discard, leaving just the fleshy meat of each peach and place in a blender. Puree until almost smooth. Small pea-sized chunks are desired. Set aside.
2. Peel and cut ginger into quarter sized rings. (FUN FACT: peel the ginger with a spoon, it allows you to get into all the little crevices and have very little waste). Carefully take the back of your knife or a mallet and bruise the ginger rings. You do not need to break them, just smash them a bit to allow its juices to release.
3. In a medium saucepan, combined Moscato wine, bruised ginger, lemon zest (Just the yellow part of the peel. Cut of the white part as it will make your wine-sicles bitter if you leave it on), and lemon juice. Bring to a boil then lower heat to a gentle simmer. Reduce by 2/3. Remove from heat and strain.
4. In another small saucepan, combine reduced wine, water, and sugar. Heat just until all sugar is dissolved. Approx. 45 seconds. Remove from heat. Add in peach puree and gently whisk together until all ingredients are combined. (For a stronger ginger flavor, use a microplane and grate in 1/2 TSP of raw ginger and mix together). Allow to cool to room temperature.
5. Pour wine-sicle base into popsicle modes, place in your wooden sticks for handles, and freeze for 8 hours. I used the Norpro molds: http://norpro.com/store/products/frozen-ice-pop-maker
6. Remove from freezer and quickly run under warm water to help release the wine-sicle from its mold.
7. Add a pinch of love ❤
8. Share and Enjoy!
You see, Its truly simple: take some good quality ingredients, add a pinch of love to your cooking and bonappetit…..a delicious homemade meal for you and your loved ones!!!!
FoodLoveMeal 