Poached Peaches in Vanilla Syrup

This recipe serves:  4 6 8

1 1/3 cups water
1 1/3 cups sugar
2 firm peaches, peeled, halved and pitted
1 vanilla bean, split lengthwise
1/3 cinnamon stick
2 whole cloves
1. Place all of the ingredients in a large saucepan. Cover the peaches with a piece of parchment paper or weigh them down with a plate so that they stay immersed in the liquid.

2. Bring to a simmer over medium-low heat. Cook until the peaches are tender when pierced with a knife, about 5 to 10 minutes. (Peaches can be made ahead and stored in their syrup in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Their flavor will intensify.)

3. Remove the peaches from the liquid and set aside. Continue to simmer the liquid for about 30 minutes, until it has a syrup-like consistency. Scrape the seeds from the vanilla bean, add them to the syrup and discard the pod. Discard the cinnamon stick and cloves. Keep warm.

4. Slice the peach halves lengthwise and arrange the slices on plates. Spoon the warm syrup on and around the peaches.

Serving Size: 1/2 peach with syrup

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