peaches ahoy!

Recipe by
Carolyn Haas
Whitewater, WI

This is an adaptation of an heirloom canned peach recipe from the 1950s. The added rum gives it a hint of the tropics. Yo ho ho and a bottle of rum!

yield 2 pints
prep time 40 Min
cook time 20 Min
method Stove Top

Ingredients For peaches ahoy!

  • 3 lb
    ripe peaches
  • 3 c
    sugar
  • 1/2 c
    rum, dark or light

How To Make peaches ahoy!

  • 1
    Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Using the tip of a paring knife, make a shallow “X” in the bottom of each peach. Add the peaches, one at a time, to the boiling water for 1 minute. Remove the peach from the water and plunge into a bowl of ice water. Repeat with the remaining peaches. Remove skins, pit the fruit and quarter.
  • 2
    In another large pot, combine 3 cups water and the sugar and bring to a boil. Add the peaches and simmer until just soft.
  • 3
    Have the jars, screw tops and new lids scalded and ready. Gently pack the peaches into the jars.
  • 4
    Boil the leftover syrup until it thickens slightly, then spoon it over the fruit, filling the jars ¾ full. Use a butter knife to release any air bubbles caught in the jars. Pour in enough rum to fill the jars, leaving ¼ inch of headroom. Wipe the rims, cover with the lids and screw on the bands fingertip-tight.
  • 5
    Place the jars on a rack in a big pot and cover with 2 to 3 inches of water. Cover the pot and bring to a boil over high heat, then lower the heat to medium and gently boil for 20 minutes. Remove the cover and then, after about 5 minutes, remove the jars. Allow them to cool, untouched, for 4 to 6 hours. Check the seals and store in a cool, dark place for up to a year. Refrigerate after opening.
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