Baked Peaches

Fresh peaches from the farmer’s market are one of my favourite things about summer. They are so sweet, crisp, and refreshing. I also love baking with them. This recipe for baked peaches is a perfect treat when you are craving something sweet but with less calories than traditional desserts. The spices, vanilla and brandy (optional) add so much decadence to this simple dish. Warning: You might start singing like Justin Bieber.

Adapted from: https://www.wellplated.com/baked-peaches/

Prep Time: 5 mins            Cook Time: 30 mins         Total Time: 35 mins         Main Method: Bake

Yield: 3-6 servings depending on individual portions

Ingredients:

• 3 fresh, ripe peaches halved and pitted

• 1 ½ tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

• 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup

• 2 tablespoon brandy or bourbon (optional, substitute with apple juice)

• 1 teaspoon coconut sugar or light brown sugar

• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• ½ teaspoon ground allspice

• ½ teaspoon ground ginger

• ¼ teaspoon kosher salt

• Vanilla ice cream, Greek yogurt, or heavy cream, for serving

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly coat a 9×9-inch or similarly sized baking dish that’s large enough to hold the peach halves in a single layer with nonstick spray. Pick a dish that’s sized to where your peaches fit comfortably side by side, but there isn’t too much excess room around them. Arrange peaches cut-side up in the dish.

2. In a medium mixing bowl, stir together the oil, maple syrup, brandy/bourbon/juice, coconut sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, allspice, ginger and salt. Spoon the mixture over the peaches, filling the center and letting it run over the sides.

3. Bake peaches, uncovered, until the peaches are cooked through and fork-tender, about 30 minutes. Serve warm, topped with vanilla ice cream, Greek yogurt, or a pour of heavy cream, as desired.