This is one of the first recipes we tried when we started experimenting with peaches, and it’s so cheerful and easy to make (only four ingredients, minutes to prepare) that it’s fantastic to do as an activity with kids. The brilliantly colored syrup (thanks to the skin of the peaches), best kept refrigerated, is ideal for using throughout the year in desserts, cocktails, and iced tea.
Makes 4 cups
Hands-on time: 15 minutes (microwave) or 40 minutes (stovetop)
Total time: 15 minutes (microwave) or 40 minutes (stovetop)
4 medium peaches, pitted and cut into wedges
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
3 cups sugar
1 cup boiling water
MICROWAVE METHOD
1. This method is not only easy, but results in a fresh peach flavor. Place the peaches in a large microwave-safe glass bowl. Pour the lemon juice and sugar on top (do not stir) and cover very tightly with plastic wrap, wrapping it all the way around the bowl to seal in the steam while cooking. Microwave on high for 5 minutes.
2. Remove the bowl from the microwave and carefully remove the plastic so as not to burn yourself on the hot steam. Stir well. Cover and repeat the process until all the sugar has dissolved.
3. Strain the syrup through a fine-mesh sieve into a medium bowl to remove the solids. You can save the peaches to use as jam. Whisk in the boiling water and transfer the syrup to a jar. Allow to completely cool. Cover and refrigerate until needed, up to 1 month.
STOVETOP METHOD
1. Cooking on the stovetop will result in a syrup with more of a jammy flavor. Place the peaches, lemon juice, and boiling water in a medium saucepan. Add the sugar on top (do not stir). Bring to a simmer over medium-high heat. Reduce the heat to maintain a very low simmer, cover, and cook for 30 minutes. Resist the urge to stir while cooking, as this will break up the peaches. Remove from the heat.
2. Strain the syrup and bottle it as directed in step 3 of the microwave method.