What if there was a way to make ice cream, cheesecake, and even chocolate cake better? This might be hard to imagine -- until you top these desserts with a wine reduction. A wine reduction made with sweet dessert wine and other various ingredients can make the flavors in most any dessert really pop. Here are three reductions that are easy to make in your own kitchen:
Peach and Apricot Reduction
Ingredients:
Peel the peaches and apricots, and dice them into very small pieces. Place them in a saucepan along with the wine. Bring to a simmer, and then simmer until the volume is reduced by about half. This may take anywhere from 10 - 30 minutes. Stir in the cinnamon and nutmeg, and continue to simmer for about 30 seconds to infuse the flavor of the spices. Remove from heat and cool to room temperature before using. This reduction is delicious with vanilla ice cream and yellow cake.
Raspberry Cocoa Reduction
Ingredients:
Place the raspberries in a food processor, and process until smooth. Then, pass the mixture through a sieve to remove the seeds. Combine the seedless raspberry puree with the wine, salt, and sugar, and bring to a simmer. Simmer until the mixture is thick enough to coat the back of a spoon -- about 20 to 30 minutes. Remove from the heat, and immediately stir in the cocoa powder until smooth. Pour over your desserts while warm. This boldly flavored reduction is lovely on chocolate desserts.
Strawberry Vanilla Reduction
Ingredients:
Slice the vanilla bean lengthwise. Place it in a saucepan along with the strawberries and wine. Bring to a simmer, and simmer until the volume is reduced by half. Remove the vanilla bean from the mixture, and set it aside to cool before using. This reduction is very nice on lemon-flavored and vanilla-flavored desserts.
You can store any leftovers from any of these reductions in the refrigerator. Use them to top your pancakes or waffles the next morning! A little dusting of powdered sugar will make for an elegant presentation.
Share29 August 2017
I have always been the kind of person who is laser focused on their health, which is why I started thinking about my alcoholic beverage consumption a few years ago. I realized that in some aspects my drinking had gone a little out of control, so I started evaluating my behaviors. I was able to make a few changes that really paid off in the long run, and I was really pleased with how much better it made my life. For example, I started only drinking socially instead of at home alone. Check out this blog for tips that could help you.
