Coulis of Peaches with Lavender Honey
This delectable sauce is superb served with slices of toasted brioche or with a panna cotta.
Overview
A fragrant, silky peach sauce infused with floral lavender honey. The result is a sophisticated sauce that's naturally sweet yet refined, perfect for elegant plated desserts. The gentle poaching creates a smooth purée that's both comforting and impressive.
Ingredients
- 4 very ripe peaches
- 1 lemon (juice)
- 4 tablespoons lavender honey
- 1 flowering lavender sprig (optional)
Method
- Peel, halve and stone the peaches.
- Put them in a saucepan with the lemon juice, honey and 150 ml of water.
- Slowly bring to a simmer over a low heat and poach gently for 5 minutes.
- Add the lavender sprig, if using, and cook for a further 30 seconds.
- Leave to cool for a few minutes, then transfer the contents of the pan to a blender and purée for 1 minute.
- Pass the sauce through a fine-meshed conical sieve into a bowl and leave to cool completely.
- When cold, refrigerate until ready to use.
Notes
- Peach selection: Use ripe, fragrant peaches at their seasonal peak for best flavor.
- Lavender honey: This specialty honey carries floral notes that pair perfectly with peaches. Use sparingly, it's potent.
- Gentle poaching: Low heat preserves the delicate peach flavor and creates a naturally silky texture.
- Lavender sprig: Fresh flowering sprigs add visual elegance; dried lavender can substitute if gentle on quantity.
Serving
Serve with: Toasted brioche, panna cotta, vanilla ice cream, or as a plating element Drizzle on: Light-colored plates for beautiful presentation
Storage
- Keeps 3-4 days refrigerated in an airtight container
- Does not freeze well due to peach texture degradation
- Serve well chilled or at room temperature
- Flavor develops and mellows upon storage
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