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Fresh Peachsicles

Juice of 2 large lemons

6 large freestone peaches, slightly underripe and unblemished

½ cup sugar

Fill a medium bowl with cold water and add the lemon juice.

Bring a pot of water to a boil over high heat. Score an "X" in the bottom of each piece of fruit; carefully drop the pieces into the water and cook for a few minutes, just to loosen the skins. Use a slotted spoon to transfer them to a cutting board; peel off and discard the skins. Cut the fruit in half along the seam (from top to bottom); discard the pit, then cut each half in half, dropping the slices into the acidulated water as you work.

Line one baking sheet with paper towels and a second one with parchment paper. Place the sugar in a small bowl.

Lift the fruit pieces out of the water with a slotted spoon, briefly draining them on the paper towels. Coat the fruit pieces in the sugar, placing them on the parchment-lined baking sheet as you work. If using, slide a bamboo skewer into four slices, keeping the slices from touching. Discard the lemon water.

Freeze until firm, about 4 hours, then transfer to a freezer-safe zip-top bag or container; freeze for up to 9 months.

Variations: For fresh apricotsicles, leave the skins on. Use 6-inch bamboo skewers. For fresh cherrysicles, use only sweet cherries that have been halved and pitted. (In both cases, the sugar will stick to the cut sides of the fruit.)

6 servings (makes 24 pieces)

These satisfyingly fruity treats are easy to put together and especially wonderful served in the depths of winter.

Use slightly underripe, firm fruit for the best results; otherwise, the cut edges of the peaches will be "fuzzy," which is not good for these peachsicles. Skewers provide a fun way to serve the fruit; if you're using them, you'll need six 8-inch bamboo ones.

Make ahead: The fruit needs to freeze for at least 4 hours and up to 9 months.

From Cathy Barrow.

Nutrition | Per serving: 70 calories, 2 g protein, 17 g carbohydrates, 0 g fat, 0 g saturated fat, 0 mg cholesterol, 0 mg sodium, 3 g dietary fiber, 15 g sugar

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