Italian Style Amaretto-Peach Crisp

Peach crisp goes to Italy. This is so good! Frozen peaches work well in this, so keep this in mind in the dead of winter, when you need to be reminded of summer. For a lovely variation, try using pitted sweet cherries (fresh or frozen) in combination with the peaches or by themselves. Recipe from Mollie Katzen.

• Ready In: 45 mins
• Serves: 6

Ingredients

• 2  lbs  fresh sliced  peaches (or frozen)
• 2  teaspoons lemon zest
• 2  tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 2  tablespoons amaretto liqueur (optional)
• 36  amaretti cookies (crunchy Italian almond macaroons)
• 1  cup  sliced almonds
• 1⁄4 cup  brown  sugar crystals (optional)
• 1⁄2 cup butter, melted

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Arrange the peach slices in an 8x8-inch pan or a gratin dish. (NOTE: If you are using frozen peaches, you don't need to defrost them first, but you do need to separate them.) Sprinkle with lemon zest, lemon juice, and Amaretto, if desired.
3. Place the amaretti in a food processor and grind into crumbs with a few short bursts. Add the almonds during the last burst or two, so they get broken up but not finely ground. Stir in the optional sugar, if desired. (If you are in need of a little exercise, you can bypass the food processor. Put the cookies in a plastic bag and whack them mercilessly with a rolling pin. Add the almonds and optional sugar, and shake well.)(NOTE: I skip this step. Instead, I just add the cookies to the butter mixture (the cookies will soften in the melted butter/liquids). Mix and crush with a wooden spoon).
4. Transfer the cookie mixture to a bowl, pour in the melted butter, and mix with a fork until well combined. Sprinkle the topping over the peaches, patting it into place.
5. Bake for 25 minutes, or until golden. Serve warm, at room temperature, or cold, plain or `a la mode.