Peaches In Amaretto Caramel

Directions

1. 1
   In small saucepan, combine sugar with 1 cup water.
2. 2
   Place over low heat until sugar has dissolved.
3. 3
   Raise heat to medium-high, and without stirring, allow syrup to bubble until it begins to caramelize and turn golden, about 20 minutes.
4. 4
   Mix amaretto and lemon juice together.
5. 5
   Reduce heat under saucepan to low.
6. 6
   Standing back from pan, slowly pour in mixture; it will spit, then simmer.
7. 7
   Stir to dissolve any sugar strands that have formed.
8. 8
   Place peach halves in pan, in batches if necessary.
9. 9
   Poach until just tender, 2 to 3 minutes, then transfer to plate.
10. 10
    When all peaches have been poached, raise heat to medium-high, and boil caramel down until it is thick but still can be poured; there should be about 1 cup.
11. 11
    Place 4 peach halves on each of four plates.
12. 12
    Drizzle with caramel.
13. 13
    Garnish each plate with a dollop of mascarpone sprinkled with splintered pistachios.