In the summer, I like to buy large bags or baskets of fresh peaches at the farmers’ market. I eat the perfectly ripe ones immediately and use the firmer (but still ripe) specimens for this amazing dessert combo. But do be sure that your peaches are a little firm; if they’re going soft all over, they’ll fall apart on the grill. Add the cheese mixture right before you serve it so it looks fresh.

　　

Ingredients

6 servings

　　2 tablespoons sugar

　　2 tablespoons brandy

　　1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

　　Olive oil

　　3 firm but ripe peaches, pitted and quartered

　　1/2 cup mascarpone cheese, at room temperature

　　1/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

　　3/4 cup dry white wine

　　

Step 1

Stir the sugar, brandy, and lemon juice in a medium bowl to blend. Set the brandy mixture aside.

　　

Step 2

Prepare a charcoal or gas grill for medium-high heat, or preheat a ridged grill pan over a medium-high flame. Lightly brush the grill rack or pan with oil. Grill the peaches until they are heated through and beginning to brown, turning occasionally, about 5 minutes. Immediately transfer the grilled peaches to the brandy mixture, and toss to coat. Set aside for 15 minutes, tossing occasionally.

　　

Step 3

Meanwhile, in a small bowl, stir the mascarpone and vanilla to blend.

　　

Step 4

Divide the peach mixture equally among 6 coupe dishes and pour the wine over the peaches. Dollop the mascarpone mixture atop the peaches, and serve.

　　Reprinted with permission from Everyday Italian: 125 Simple and Delicious Recipes by Martha Stewart Living Magazine. Copyright © 2005 by Giada De Laurentiis. Published by Crown Publishing Group. All Rights Reserved.Giada De Laurentiis is the star of Food Network's Everyday Italian and Behind the Bash. She attended the Cordon Bleu in Paris, and then worked in a variety of Los Angeles restaurants, including Wolfgang Puck's Spago, before starting her own catering and private-chef company, GDL Foods. The granddaughter of movie producer Dino De Laurentiis, Giada was born in Rome and grew up in Los Angeles, where she now lives.