Growing up in the south I was blessed every summer with the most delectable peaches. As soon as we were out of school for the summer my family and I would drive down to the beach on the gulf. Our trip wouldnt be complete without stopping in Clanton, Alabama to visit the Peach Park. We would get two huge baskets of fresh Chilton County peaches and if we were really lucky, a scoop of homemade peach ice cream, perfect for relieving the 100 degree weather.

Well, Seattle is definitely no Clanton, Alabama, however I was able to find some nice yellow peaches at our local store. Now I am all about chocolatey desserts but in the summer I prefer lighter treats with fruit and a small dallop of sweet cream. Save the heavier desserts for winter time :)

This recipe is light yet very satisfying.  The warm peaches melt in your mouth while the amaretti give you a nice and surprising crunch. For those of you who aren't familiar with amaretti cookies go to the store right now and find some! They are usually not in the cookie aisle but rather in the bakery section. Amaretti is a traditional Italian cookie so I usually find them with the biscotti. If you can not find amaretti cookies you can substitute with any other crunchy cookie such as gingersnaps. However the amaretti will lend you the best flavor:)

Now that it is peach season I keep a handful on hand so when I crave something sweet or feel a bit homesick I pass up the bittersweet chocolate for this comforting peachy dessert.

Peaches Stuffed with Amaretti Cookies

• about 12 small amaretti cookies
• 3 ripe, firm peaches halved and pitted
• 3 tsp sugar mixed with cinnamon
• 3 tsp butter
• 2 cups fresh whipped cream

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Butter the bottom of an 8-inch baking dish and set aside.

Using a melon baller or spoon, clean out the red flesh from the center of each peach. Arrange the peaches cut side up in the prepared dish. In the bowl of a food processor, add the amaretti cookies and pulse until finely crumbled or crumble with your hands. Divide the amaretti crumbs between the peaches. Fill the center of each peach with the amaretti cookie crumbs. Sprinkle 1/2 teaspoon of sugar/cinnamon over each. Dot each peach with 1/2 teaspoon of butter. ( I dont measure out the butter but put a few pats of it on top of each peach)

Bake until the peaches are tender and the filling is crisp on top, about 30 minutes. Serve warm with whipped cream.

Enjoy!