Poached Peaches & Raspberry Cream

This is a very easy-to-make recipe that can be made a day ahead. I think the simplicity of this dessert is quite elegant and is great for impressing dinner guests. Dust each serving with a little cocoa powder for that extra little “oomph”.

Poaches Peaches:
2 cups water
3/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup honey
1 cinnamon stick, broken in half
2 tablespoons lemon juice
6 peaches, peeled and halved

Raspberry Cream:
2 cups raspberries
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
1 cup heavy cream
1/3 cup powdered sugar

Poached Peaches:
In a large saucepan, add the water, sugar, honey, cinnamon stick and lemon juice. Simmer liquid for 5 minutes. Add the peach halves and poach over a low simmer for about 4 minutes or until the peaches are tender. Remove the peaches and place them in a glass baking dish, cut side down. Pour the poaching liquid over the peaches and refrigerate until chilled.

Raspberry Cream:
In a small bowl, mash the raspberries with a fork. Set aside.

In a medium bowl, beat the heavy cream, powdered sugar, vanilla and almond extract until soft peaks form. Fold in the mashed raspberries.

To serves, place a peach half in a bowl or dish and spoon some of the liquid over it. Top with a dollop if raspberry cream.

Yields 12 servings.