Simple Stewed Stone Fruit

02Method

1. Combine peaches, sugar, cinnamon stick, vanilla, and water in a saucepan.
2. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally.
3. Cook for 10-15 minutes until the fruit has softened but still holds its shape.
4. Stir through lemon juice and remove from heat.
5. Remove the cinnamon stick before serving. Serve warm or chilled.

03Notes & substitutions

• Plums, apricots, or nectarines all work well in place of peaches.
• Swap cinnamon for a split vanilla pod or a strip of orange zest.
• Reduce the sugar if the fruit is already very ripe and sweet.
• Vegetarian and vegan as written.

04Common mistakes

• Simmering too hard — a rolling boil breaks the fruit down into mush; keep it to a gentle simmer.
• Overcooking — the fruit should still hold its shape, not dissolve completely; check it from the 10 minute mark.
• Forgetting the cinnamon stick — leaving it in when serving is easy to miss; remove it before plating up.

05Storage & leftovers