Poaching the peach halves in their skins gives the syrup a rosy blush. It's perfect for dunking crunchy Polenta Biscotti.

Makes 6 servings

ACTIVE TIME: 30 minutes

TOTAL TIME: 5 1/2 hours (including 4 hours chilling time)

EASE OF PREPARATION: Easy

1 1/2 cups water
1/2 cup sugar
3 strips lemon zest (1-by-2-inch strips; see Tip)
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 3-inch piece cinnamon stick
3 ripe but firm medium peaches, halved lengthwise and pitted
1/2 cup packed fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped

1. Combine water, sugar, lemon zest, lemon juice and cinnamon stick in a large non-reactive saucepan (see Note); bring to a simmer over medium-high heat, stirring often, until the sugar dissolves. Add peach halves. Return to a brisk simmer, cover the pan and simmer, turning the peaches occasionally, until they are tender when pierced with a skewer or paring knife and the skins are loosened, 20 to 25 minutes (depending on the ripeness of the peaches). Transfer the peaches to a plate with a slotted spoon.
2. Return the liquid to a boil and cook until reduced to about 3/4 cup, 10 to 12 minutes. Remove from the heat, stir in basil and let cool to room temperature, about 40 minutes.
3. Slip off and discard the peach skins. Place the peaches in a storage container and strain the cooled syrup over them. Cover and chill for at least 4 hours.

NUTRITION INFORMATION: Per serving: 85 calories; 0 g fat (0 g sat, 0 g mono); 0 mg cholesterol; 22 g carbohydrate; 0 g protein; 1 g fiber; 1 mg sodium; 100 mg potassium.
Exchanges: 1/2 fruit, 1 other carbohydrates; 1 1/2 Carbohydrate Servings.

TIP: Tip: Use a vegetable peeler to easily remove strips of the outer skin (zest), leaving the bitter white pith behind.

Note: A non-reactive pan—stainless steel, enamel-coated or glass—is necessary when cooking acidic foods, such as lemon, to prevent the food from reacting with the pan. Reactive pans, such as aluminum and cast-iron, can impart an off color and/or off flavor in acidic foods.

MAKE AHEAD TIP: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days.