For Graduates, a Special Treat : Plantation Peach Pie Is Highlight of Party

Following the graduation ceremony, invite family and friends back to your home for dessert, coffee and an opportunity to congratulate the new graduate. Plantation Peach Pie makes an ideal dessert choice for the occasion because everything can be prepared well in advance and quickly assembled when you return home.

This is actually more of a shortcake than a pie. The recipe calls for the crust to be molded into a large circle, but a heart or individual rounds are other possible choices. Top with scoops of rich ice cream and spicy peach sauce.

PLANTATION PEACH PIE

8 peaches, peeled and chopped

1 cup bourbon

2 cups water

Sugar

2 to 3 whole cloves

2 2/3 cups buttermilk baking mix

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom

3/4 cup milk

1/2 gallon peach or vanilla ice cream

Combine peaches, bourbon, water, 2/3 cup sugar and cloves in saucepan and simmer 45 minutes. Cool, then chill.

Combine baking mix, 1/2 cup sugar, cinnamon and cardamom in bowl. Stir in milk. Spread in 10-inch circle on greased baking sheet. Bake at 350 degrees 30 minutes. Cool.

Scoop ice cream onto crust. Freeze until serving time. Cut into wedges and top with peach sauce. Makes 8 to 10 servings.

Note: Additional 1 cup water may be substituted for bourbon.