Caramelized Peaches

Caramelized peaches are a delicious dessert that can be served alone or as a complement to ice creams or spoon desserts. Here’s a classic recipe:

Ingredients

  • 4 ripe yet still firm peaches
  • 100 g of granulated sugar
  • 50 g of butter
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • A pinch of ground cinnamon (optional)
  • Fresh mint for garnish (optional)

Preparation

  1. Wash the peaches and cut them in half to remove the pit. If you prefer, you can also peel them.
  2. In a wide pan, melt the butter over medium heat.
  3. Add the sugar and stir until it begins to dissolve and turn golden, forming a blond caramel.
  4. Now, place the peaches in the pan with the cut side down. Allow them to caramelize for about 3-4 minutes, being careful not to burn the caramel.
  5. Gently turn the peaches, drizzle them with lemon juice, and cook for another 2-3 minutes. If desired, you can add a pinch of cinnamon to further flavor.
  6. The peaches will be ready when they are tender but not overcooked and have a nice golden caramel crust on both sides.
  7. Serve the peaches warm or lukewarm. You can garnish them with fresh mint leaves for a touch of freshness.

Remember that caramel becomes very hot, so handle the peaches with care to avoid burns.

Curiosity

Caramelized peaches are a versatile dessert that lends itself to multiple variations. In Italy, you might find similar recipes but with the addition of a liqueur, like Amaretto, for an extra flavor note. Moreover, peaches are typical summer season fruit, and this dessert celebrates their flavor at its best, especially if you use quality peaches, like the ones from Leonforte IGP, famous for their sweetness and intense flavor.