Delightful Homemade Peach Turnovers

Peach turnovers are a delightful treat that can transform simple ingredients into a bakery-quality dessert. These flaky, sweet pastries are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a weekend breakfast, an afternoon snack, or a special dessert. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll take you through everything you need to know to make perfect homemade peach turnovers, including a basic recipe, tips for selecting and preparing your peaches, and some creative variations to try.

There’s nothing quite like the taste of a warm, freshly baked peach turnover. The combination of juicy peaches, sweet syrup, and flaky pastry is irresistible. Making peach turnovers at home might seem daunting, but with a bit of guidance and some practice, you’ll be turning out perfect pastries in no time. This guide aims to equip you with all the knowledge and techniques you need to succeed.

Selecting and Preparing Peaches

The first step to making delicious peach turnovers is choosing the right peaches. Here are some tips:

Selecting Peaches

• Ripeness: Look for peaches that are ripe but still firm. Overly ripe peaches can become too mushy when baked.
• Color: Choose peaches with a vibrant color and avoid those with green patches.
• Fragrance: Ripe peaches will have a sweet, fragrant aroma.
• Feel: The peach should yield slightly to gentle pressure but should not be too soft or mushy.

Preparing Peaches

1. Peeling Peaches: To peel peaches easily, blanch them in boiling water for about 30 seconds, then transfer them to an ice bath. The skins should slip off easily.
2. Pitting and Slicing: Cut the peaches in half, remove the pit, and slice them into thin, even pieces.

Basic Peach Turnover Recipe

Let’s dive into the recipe. Below is the table of ingredients in both U.S. and Metric measures.

Ingredients Table

Ingredient	U.S. Measure	Metric Measure
Fresh peaches	4 cups sliced	600 grams
Granulated sugar	1/2 cup	100 grams
Lemon juice	1 tablespoon	15 milliliters
Ground cinnamon	1 teaspoon	2 grams
Cornstarch	2 tablespoons	16 grams
Puff pastry sheets	2 sheets	2 sheets
Egg (for egg wash)	1 large	1 large
Water	1 tablespoon	15 milliliters
Coarse sugar (optional)	for sprinkling	for sprinkling

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Peaches

1. Peel, pit, and slice the peaches.
2. In a large bowl, combine the sliced peaches, granulated sugar, lemon juice, ground cinnamon, and cornstarch. Mix well to coat the peaches evenly.

Step 2: Prepare the Puff Pastry

1. Thaw the puff pastry sheets according to the package instructions. It usually takes about 30-40 minutes at room temperature.
2. Once thawed, unfold the pastry sheets on a lightly floured surface. Roll each sheet out slightly to smooth any creases and make the pastry a bit thinner.

Step 3: Assemble the Turnovers

1. Cut each pastry sheet into 4 equal squares.
2. Spoon about 2-3 tablespoons of the peach mixture onto the center of each square.
3. Fold each square diagonally to form a triangle. Press the edges together with a fork to seal.
4. Place the assembled turnovers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Step 4: Apply the Egg Wash

1. In a small bowl, beat the egg with 1 tablespoon of water to create an egg wash.
2. Brush the tops of the turnovers with the egg wash. This will give them a beautiful golden color when baked.
3. If desired, sprinkle the tops with coarse sugar for extra crunch and sweetness.

Step 5: Bake the Turnovers

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Bake the turnovers for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and puffed up.
3. Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly before serving.

Tips for Perfect Turnovers

• Chill the Dough: Keeping the puff pastry cold helps maintain its flakiness. If it starts to warm up while assembling the turnovers, place it in the refrigerator for a few minutes.
• Even Filling: Distribute the peach filling evenly among the turnovers to ensure consistent baking and flavor.
• Sealing: Ensure the edges are well-sealed to prevent the filling from leaking out during baking.
• Vent Holes: Cut a small slit or poke a few holes in the top of each turnover to allow steam to escape and prevent soggy pastry.

Variations and Enhancements

Peach turnovers are versatile and can be customized to suit your tastes. Here are some variations and enhancements you can try:

Adding Berries

Mix in some fresh berries, such as raspberries or blueberries, with the peach filling for added flavor and color.

Almonds and Peaches

Add a handful of sliced almonds to the peach mixture for a delightful crunch.

Spiced Turnovers

Experiment with different spices such as nutmeg, cardamom, or ginger to complement the peaches.

Glaze

Drizzle a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk over the cooled turnovers for a sweet finishing touch.

Cream Cheese

Add a dollop of sweetened cream cheese to the filling for a rich, creamy turnover.

Serving Suggestions

Peach turnovers are delicious on their own, but they can also be paired with other treats for a more decadent experience. Here are some serving suggestions:

• Ice Cream: Serve warm turnovers with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
• Whipped Cream: Top with a dollop of fresh whipped cream.
• Caramel Sauce: Drizzle with caramel sauce for added sweetness.
• Yogurt: Pair with Greek yogurt for a slightly tangy contrast.

Storing and Reheating Turnovers

Storing

• Room Temperature: Store turnovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• Refrigerator: For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Reheating

• Oven: Reheat turnovers in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes to restore their crispiness.
• Microwave: Heat in the microwave for 20-30 seconds. Note that this method may make the pastry less crispy.

Conclusion

Making homemade peach turnovers is a rewarding and enjoyable process. With a few simple ingredients and some basic techniques, you can create a delightful treat that is sure to impress family and friends. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or experiment with variations, the result will be delicious.