EASY BRANDY: Atlanta Life Magazine Recipe

Atlanta Life Magazine presents this signature preparation of EASY BRANDY. Handcrafted with traditional culinary care, this dish pairs authentic regional flavors with seasonal farm produce.

Recipe Overview & Technique

Ingredients

• 1 c. fruit (fresh or dried; apricots, peaches, quartered fresh apples with skin, or grapes, even raisins, whatever your choice)
• 1 c. sugar
• 1 c. water
• 1 c. cheap brandy (use the cheapest that you can buy: Long’s or Thrifty Drug’s or Walgreens’; three or four dollars a bottle on sale)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. 1. **Prep & Sauté:** Press the **Sauté** button on your Instant Pot (set to Normal/Medium). Add cooking oil and sear your meat/aromatics for 4-5 minutes until browned.
2. 2. **Deglaze (Crucial to Prevent ‘Burn’ Error):** Pour in 1/2 cup of broth or cooking liquid. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up all browned bits (fond) stuck to the bottom of the inner pot.
3. 3. **Layer Ingredients:** Add remaining ingredients and at least 1 cup of thin liquid. *(Note: Reserve dairy and thickeners for after cooking)*
4. 4. **Pressure Cook:** Secure the lid and turn the steam release valve to **Sealing**. Select **Pressure Cook / Manual (High)** and set the timer for **6 minutes**.
5. 5. **Pressure Release:** When the timer beeps, perform a **Quick Pressure Release (QR)**.
6. 6. **Finish & Thicken:** Unlock the lid. Press **Sauté** again. Stir in reserved cream/cheese and cornstarch slurry. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until rich and thickened to your desired texture.