ashbabe

Vanilla-Poached Peaches

You can substitute 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; just stir in after the mixture is reduced, and nectarines can be substituted for the peaches.

INGREDIENTS
1 cup water
1/3 cup sugar
1 (3-1/2-inch) piece vanilla bean, split lengthwise
3 large ripe peaches, peeled, pitted, and quartered
2 tablespoons strawberry preserves
4 teaspoons chopped pistachios

INSTRUCTIONS

Combine the first 3 ingredients in a medium non-aluminum saucepan; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; add peaches, and simmer 7 minutes or until tender. Remove peaches with a slotted spoon; place in a shallow dish. Bring cooking liquid to a boil, and cook until reduced to 1/2 cup (about 7 minutes). Discard vanilla bean; pour syrup over peaches. Cool to room temperature.

Combine preserves and 4 teaspoons peach syrup; stir with a whisk. Place 3 peach quarters and 1-1/2 tablespoons peach syrup in each of 4 ; top each serving with 2 teaspoons strawberry mixture and 1 teaspoon pistachios.