Napa Farmhouse 1885™: Chilled Spiced Peach Soup

I had such a hard time naming this soup. Peach needs to be in the title, of course, but Chilled? Spiced? Boozey? Sweet? Dessert? Appetizer? I narrowed it down, but it really should include all of the previous descriptions. Bottom line, just call the soup delicious.

My friend Elizabeth's peach tree was loaded this year. She gave me a huge bag last week, and I have been making peach dishes daily...as well as eating fresh peaches whenever I can. I am a fan of chilled fruit soup and thought a blend of peaches, spices, and bourbon would be a good combo. I loved the finished result and everyone who tasted gave the soup high marks. We agreed that the recipe would be perfect as an appetizer OR dessert. Without the bourbon, delicious for breakfast (booze in for brunch...yes?) Welcome to fall, everyone!

So, yes, fall is almost here. This means the weekly summer posts with Food Network have ended for the year but, never fear, Fall Fest has arrived. Each week a number of bloggers receive an assignment from Food Network. We all create a recipe using the same item or theme and then we share all the recipes with you. The 2015 lineup is as follows:

FN Dish Fall Fest 2015 Themes

September

17: Soup

24: Apples

October

1: Sweet potatoes

8: Pumpkin

15: Cauliflower

22: Squash

29: Halloween

November

5: Brussels sprouts

12: Carrots

19: Favorite Thanksgiving side dish

December

3: Holiday appetizer

10: Holiday cookies

17: Favorite holiday side dish

Chilled Spiced Peach Soup
(serves 4-6)

6 large peaches (3 peeled, all pitted and chopped)
1 cup coconut milk (from the dairy case, not canned)
2 cups water
2 tbsp honey (additional if needed)
1 tsp allspice
1/4 tsp sea salt
1/4 cup bourbon, whiskey or scotch
2 tsp fresh mint leaves (chopped) plus whole leaves for garnish

Place peaches, coconut milk, water, 2 tbsp honey, allspice and sea salt in a medium sized saucepan. Heat to high-simmer (do not let boil), reduce heat to low and simmer for 15 minutes or until peaches are very soft. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.

Carefully add peach mixture to a blender. Add the bourbon and chopped mint leaves. Blend until the soup is very smooth. Pour into a large bowl and refrigerate until very cold.

When ready to serve, remove from refrigerator, taste and adjust seasonings (honey, salt, allspice and/or bourbon if desired.) Serve in small bowls garnished with fresh mint leaves.

Click Here For Printer Friendly Recipe