Peach Bread

The “sweet peaches,” also known as “peaches with alchermes,” are traditional pastry sweets, typical in some Italian regions, which resemble the appearance of the peach fruit. Below is the classic recipe:

Ingredients

For the dough:

• 300 g of 00 flour
• 100 g of butter
• 100 g of sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 sachet of baking powder
• Grated zest of 1 lemon

For the filling:

• As needed, custard
• Amarena cherries in syrup

For the soak:

• As needed, Alchermes

For the finish:

• Granulated sugar as needed

Preparation

1. Begin by working the softened butter with the sugar until you get a creamy mixture.
2. Add the eggs, one at a time, and the lemon zest, continuing to work the mixture.
3. Incorporate the sifted flour and baking powder until you get a soft and homogeneous dough.
4. Form balls of about 30 g each, then arrange them on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, keeping them at a certain distance from each other.
5. Bake in a preheated oven at 180 °C for about 15-20 minutes or until the balls are slightly golden.
6. Once cooled, empty each ball with a teaspoon to create a small cavity.
7. Fill the cavity with a bit of custard and an amarena cherry in syrup.
8. Dip each half in the Alchermes soak and stick them together two by two, symbolizing the shape of a peach.

For the finish: 9. Roll the “peaches” in the granulated sugar to simulate the “velvety” effect of a real peach. 10. Let dry and rest before serving.

Curiosity

The lively pink coloring typical of these delights is characteristic of Alchermes, a rich red spiced liqueur that not only gives color but also an unmistakable aromatic note. These sweets are loved for their cheerful and festive appearance and often find their place on the table for special occasions.