Peaches In Amaretto Caramel

Preparation

1. Step 1

   In small saucepan, combine sugar with 1 cup water. Place over low heat until sugar has dissolved. Raise heat to medium-high, and without stirring, allow syrup to bubble until it begins to caramelize and turn golden, about 20 minutes.

2. Step 2

   Mix amaretto and lemon juice together. Reduce heat under saucepan to low. Standing back from pan, slowly pour in mixture; it will spit, then simmer. Stir to dissolve any sugar strands that have formed.

3. Step 3

   Place peach halves in pan, in batches if necessary. Poach until just tender, 2 to 3 minutes, then transfer to plate. When all peaches have been poached, raise heat to medium-high, and boil caramel down until it is thick but still can be poured; there should be about 1 cup.

4. Step 4

   Place 4 peach halves on each of four plates. Drizzle with caramel. Garnish each plate with a dollop of mascarpone sprinkled with splintered pistachios.