Peach Shortcake

Name: Peach Shortcake
Yield: makes 1 (8-inch) cake
Ingredients: 1 1/2 pounds fresh peaches or nectarines, peeled and thinly sliced; 7 tablespoons (packed) light brown sugar; 1 tablespoon Bourbon; 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger; 2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour; 1 tablespoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter, cold; 2/3 cup whole milk; 1 cup heavy cream; 1/4 cup chopped pecans, toasted

December 9, 2011

I’m keen on freestone peaches. I’m also keen on this shortcake, which comes together quickly. The simple recipe is a great showcase for just about any summer fruits and the little zip of ginger adds a nice dimension.

Cooks' Note

When buying peaches I generally look for freestones. In these varieties, the flesh does not cling to the pit, whereas cling peaches have flesh that does cling and are thus harder to pit.

Recipe notes

Caramelized Onion Pasta

Turn humble onions into this thrifty yet luxe pasta dinner.

Our Favorite French Onion Soup

Caramelized onions, melty Gruyère, and a deeply savory broth deliver the kind of comfort that doesn’t need improving.

Béchamel Sauce

This classic 15-minute sauce is your secret weapon for homemade mac and cheese, chowder, lasagna, and more.

Okonomiyaki Tater Tots

Crispy tots topped with savory-sweet sauce, mayonnaise, furikake, scallion, and katsuobushi.

Butternut Squash–Kale Salad With Roasted Garlic Vinaigrette

Round out these autumn greens with tart pomegranate seeds, crunchy pepitas, and a shower of Parmesan.

Sheet-Pan Chicken Souvlaki

Tender, juicy chicken skewers are possible in the oven—especially when roasted alongside spiced chickpeas and finished with fresh tomatoes and salty feta.

Mascarpone Cheesecake

An extra-silky filling (no water bath needed!) and a smooth sour cream topping make this the ultimate cheesecake.

Crispy Salmon With Avocado Sauce

You’ll want to put this creamy (but dairy-free) green sauce on everything and it’s particularly sublime under crispy-skinned salmon.