What’s the best way to peel peaches?

After years of trying several different methods, here’s what I’ve found to be the best way to peel peaches: Bring a large stock pot of water to a boil. Using a sharp knife, gently make an “X”on the bottom of the peach. Drop in the boiling water for 30 to 45 seconds. Remove with tongs and place on a cutting board until cool enough to handle. Using your fingers, gently peel off the skin.

Can you bake peaches with skin?

Definitely! In fact, you can leave them in this dish if you want - it’s personal preference.

Can you bake unripe peaches?

I wouldn’t recommend it. Unripe peaches are likely to have little flavor and won’t be as sweet. To ripen peaches quickly, place them in a closed paper bag on your kitchen counter. They should ripen in a day, maybe two.

Are nectarines and plums in the same family?

While both stone fruits, they are not in the same family. But, peaches and nectarines are - they are both part of the species called prunis persica.

Do you boil peaches before baking?

No, you don’t boil peaches before baking. As mentioned above, you can dunk them in boiling water for a short period time to aid in removing the skins, but don’t leave them in the water long enough to cook.

Roasted Peaches, Plums & Nectarines - A Well-Seasoned Kitchen®

Ingredients

Scale

4 teaspoons butter
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 cup chopped walnuts
Kosher salt, to taste
2 medium slightly under-ripe peaches
2 medium slightly under-ripe nectarines
2 large under-ripe plums, dark-skinned (red, Blackamber or Friar, blue)
1/2 fresh lemon
1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
1/4 cup white wine (see Note below) – can substitute apple juice
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 quart vanilla ice cream

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Instructions

In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in granulated sugar, then chopped walnuts. Cook, stirring for 5 minutes, or until sugar is melted and nuts are starting to turn light brown. Remove from heat and quickly transfer nuts onto waxed paper, separating the walnuts as much as possible. Sprinkle lightly with kosher salt. Set aside to cool.
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Lightly butter a 9 by 12-inch baking dish.
Peel peaches and nectarines; cut into 1/2-inch slices. Cut larger pieces in half crosswise, if desired. Cut plums into 1/2-inch slices. Place all three fruits in prepared baking dish and sprinkle lightly with lemon juice (you won’t need to use the entire half lemon).
In a small mixing bowl, whisk together brown sugar, white wine and cinnamon. Stir into fruit. Cover and bake for 15 minutes; uncover and stir. Recover and cook another 10 minutes or until bubbly hot.
Place a scoop of ice cream in each of 6 to 8 bowls. Spoon warm fruit over top; sprinkle with candied walnuts.

Notes

Make ahead: the candied walnuts can be made up to 2 days ahead and stored in a ziptop baggie at room temperature. The fruit can be cooked earlier in the day, cooled and refrigerated. Warm until bubbly in a 350-degree oven before serving.

Note on wine: I find that an un-oaked and not too dry white wine works best in this recipe – e.g., a Sauvignon Blanc or Riesling.

Author: Lee Clayton Roper
Category: Desserts, easy entertaining
Method: Roasting
Cuisine: Fresh