Bottled Peaches

Preparation time: 20 mins
Cooking time: 45 mins
Serves: 4 bottles

INGREDIENTS

• 16 free-stone yellow peaches
• 8 Kaffir lime leaves, very finely sliced
• 800g caster sugar
• 4 sticks lemongrass, chopped
• 4 star anise

METHOD

1 Use a small knife to cut a small cross in the bottom of the peaches, then blanch in boiling water for 2 minutes, then refresh in cold water. Peel, halve and seed the peaches, then place in sterilised bottles with the lime leaves.

2 Mix the sugar, lemongrass and star anise in a medium saucepan with 2L water and boil rapidly for 45 minutes until reduced by half. Strain, then pour over the peaches and fit the lids.

3 Place the bottles in a pot of boiling water and simmer for 30 minutes, ensuring the water covers the bottles completely. Remove from the water and allow to cool, then refrigerate.