Butterscotch Peaches
What do you do if you have a bowlful of ripe farmers’ market peaches? For an over-the-top solution to this not so terrible problem I suggest this recipe for Butterscotch Peaches by Celia Barbour at the New York Times Cooking app.
Syrupy sliced peaches
Perfect for spooning on top of ice cream, peaches are coated with a silken sauce of butter, cream and sugar. (This recipe is not for the faint of heart!)
Butterscotch Peaches
4 to 5 servings
6 medium or 5 large ripe peaches (mine were on the small side so I used about 8)
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/2 cup cream
1/2 cup sugar
1 tablespoon honey
pinch of salt
dash of vanilla (or almond) extract
Step 1
Fill a large bowl with ice and water, and set aside. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Place peaches in boiling water for 2 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer to ice water. When cool, drain and pat dry.
Ice water bath is ready for the hot peaches.
Step 2
Working over a bowl to catch the juice, peel skins from peaches. Slice each peach into 10 to 12 slices, and place in the bowl.
Step 3
In medium skillet over low heat, melt butter. Raise heat to medium-high and cook butter until it foams, subsides, foams again and begins to brown. As soon as butter is nut-brown, add the peaches with juices. Sauté 2 to 3 minutes, then place skillet over low heat to keep warm.
Step 4
In medium heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine cream, sugar, honey and salt. Place over low heat and cook, stirring occasionally, until sugar is completely melted. Raise heat to medium and let boil without stirring until it turns a rich golden brown, 12 to 15 minutes. (Because of honey and cream it will appear to turn pale brown before it has caramelized; wait until it has darkened noticeably, thickened and reduced before proceeding.) Carefully pour contents of skillet into saucepan; it will boil and spatter; stir to combine. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly. Add vanilla or other flavoring. Serve warm or at room temperature over ice cream.
Share with someone you love or treat yourself. Ripe peach problem solved!
