Coupon Clipper - Fresh Peaches

The Coupon Clipper scours the specials for the best deals in New York's big grocery stores.

The peaches hit the stores this week as nearly every major chain had some special on the fuzzy stone fruits. Both Fairway and Key Food played a good game, coming in second with $.99 a pound, but it was the Met that pulled away with win at $.79. We were so excited about finding such a great deal, we didn't really think about what to do with the large bag of them.

According to the Penguin Companion to Food, “Fresh peaches are so good that it seems a shame to cook them...” And we couldn’t agree more. That is unless you get some that aren’t quite ready, which is what exactly happened to us. Fortunately, a quick poach can turn hard peaches into a delicate desert.

Peel the skin off the peaches, cut in half, and remove the pit. Mix 1 1/3 cups of sugar and 2 cups of water in a medium sauce pan. Bring to a simmer, and cook until the sugar has dissolved. Toss the peaches in, cut side down, and let sit for 6 minutes. Turn and repeat for another 6 minutes. Serve warm if you feel the need, or let cool for an hour.