Almond Peaches with Amaretti Filling

This is a DELICIOUS recipe I found in Complete Italian Cooking by Sonja Grey. The book says that these are a specialty of the Piedmont region in the north of italy.

• Ready In: 55 mins
• Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 4  large  firm  peaches, halved and pitted
• 6  amaretti cookies, crushed
• 2  tablespoons  superfine sugar
• 3  tablespoons butter, softened
• 1  egg yolk
• 1⁄2 teaspoon fresh lemon rind, finely grated
•  sliced almonds (optional)
•  light cream

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
2. Scoop a little flesh from center of each peach half, and put in a bowl.
3. Add the cookie crumbs, sugar, and 2 Tablespoons softened butter, yolk, lemon rind; beat until smooth.
4. Divide the mixture among the peach halves, evenly-- shaping the mixture into a'mound' shape.
5. Top with flaked almonds if you desire to, and dot with remaining tablespoon of butter.
6. Arrange in a buttered ovenproof dish and bake for 25-35 mins.
7. Serve warm or cold with light cream.