The sweetness of this beautiful dish makes a perfect dessert all year round whether using peaches or pears.
Grilled peaches with creamy mascarpone cheese is a lovely light dessert that combines the sweetness of preserved or fresh peaches with the richness of mascarpone.
This recipe takes advantage of the natural flavours of the fruit and adds a touch of caramelisation from grilling. You can use fresh peaches in summer, or preserved peaches in winter, giving you a great light option that works all year round.
Preserved peach halves are not always easy to find though, and if you can’t, then try using Taylor’s Gold or another firm fresh pear. You’ll need to core and halve them, before poaching them in water on medium heat until just cooked.
Ingredients
Four ripe peaches
One tbs honey
One tbs lemon juice
One tbs olive oil
One C mascarpone cheese
Two tbs icing sugar
Fresh small mint tips (for garnish)
Method:
Preheat your grill with an oven skillet tray (or barbecue) to medium-high heat. If using preserved peaches, drain well and dry. If using fresh ones, or pears, peel.
In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, lemon juice, and olive oil to make a glaze. Brush the cut side of each fruit half with the glaze, making sure to coat them evenly.
Place the halves cut side down on the preheated tray and cook for about three to four minutes, or until grill marks appear and the peaches have softened slightly. Flip the peaches over and grill for an additional two to three minutes.
While the peaches are grilling, prepare the mascarpone filling. In a mixing bowl, combine the mascarpone cheese and icing sugar. Mix until smooth and well combined.
Once the peaches are done grilling, remove them from the heat and allow them to cool slightly.
To serve, place a grilled peach half on a serving plate, cut side up. Spoon a dollop of the mascarpone mixture into the hollow of each peach half.
Garnish the grilled peaches with fresh mint leaves for a pop of colour and added freshness.
Serve the grilled peaches and mascarpone immediately while still warm. The combination of the warm, caramelized peaches with the cool and creamy mascarpone is simply gorgeous.
You can easily adjust the quantities to accommodate more or fewer servings.
Grilled peach and mascarpone is a versatile dessert that pairs well with many other ingredients. You can experiment by adding a drizzle of balsamic reduction, a sprinkle of toasted almonds, walnuts or pistachio nuts, or a sprinkle of cinnamon for an extra flavour dimension.
