Recipe of the Week: May 14 - 20, 2001

Caramelized Peaches with Honey and Raspberries


4 Servings


Ingredients
For Peaches:
4 large peaches (1-3/4 pounds)
6 cups water
1-3/4 cups granulated sugar

For Raspberries:
3/4 pint raspberries
2 tablespoons confectioners' sugar
1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

For Honey:
1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons honey
4 tablespoons unsalted butter

4 scoops vanilla ice cream
4 mint sprigs

Directions

FOR PEACHES:
    Blanch the peaches in boiling water for 1 to 2 minutes. Remove from the heat and transfer the peaches to a plate to cool. Meanwhile, in a medium saucepan, combine the water and granulated sugar and bring to a boil, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Peel the peaches and add them to the hot sugar syrup. Let them cool completely in the syrup, turning them once or twice.

FOR RASPBERRIES:
    In a mini food processor, puree 1/2 cup of the raspberries with the confectioners' sugar, lemon juice and vanilla. Strain the puree into a small bowl and refrigerate until needed.

FOR HONEY:
    In a large nonstick skillet, combine the honey and butter and cook over moderately high heat, stirring occasionally, until smooth, about 5 minutes.

TO SERVE:
    Add the peaches and turn until coated. Transfer the peaches to dishes and set a scoop of vanilla ice cream next to each. Spoon some of the raspberry puree over the peaches and ice cream. Garnish with the remaining raspberries and the mint sprigs and serve immediately.

MAKE AHEAD:
    The recipe can be made through Step 2 and refrigerated for up to 1 day.