This amazing homemade peach butter is a delicious spread for your wintery morning toast! My store bought Christmas shopping has been complete for a couple of weeks, so now I am in the midst from of preparing and hand creating gifts – which I find far more thoughtful as they are always made with a loving heart and willing hands. This week I am sharing a recipe for Peach Butter from our home cooking contributor Nana Pat, the perfect gift idea for special family members and favourite teachers.

Peach Butter

Ingredients

4 1/2 Pounds Peaches – Peeled, Pitted And Coarsely Chopped

Note – To Prevent Browning, When Cutting Up The Peaches, Put Into A Large Bowl Of Water – 4 Cups With 1/4 Cup Of Lemon Juice

1/2 Cup Water

Grated Zest And The Juice Of 1 Lemon

4 Cups Sugar

Method

In large stainless steel pot, combine peaches, water. lemon zest and juice.

Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.

Reduce heat and boil gently, stirring occasionally, until peaches are softened, about 20 minutes.

Working in batches, transfer peach mixture to a food processor, fitted with a metal blade, and puree just until a uniform texture is achieved.

Do not liquefy.

Should measure 8 cups.

In a clean, large stainless pot, combine peach puree and sugar.

Stir until sugar is dissolved.

Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring frequently.

Reduce heat and boil gently, stirring frequently, until the mixture thickens and holds it shape if you test a small amount on the back of a spoon.

The Variation For These Christmas Hostess Gifts

Reduce the sugar amount to 3 cups.

When butter has begun to thicken, but doesn’t quite mound on your spoon, add 1 cup of your favourite liqueur.

Choose Amaretto or Apricot Brandy.

Continue cooking, stirring frequently, until the mixture mounds on a spoon.