ROASTED PEACH SOUP

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
• Lightly butter a baking sheet.
• Place peach halves cut side down, on prepared baking sheet.
• Sprinkle the peaches with 1/2 cup sugar and bake for 15 to 20 minutes.
• Place the baked peaches in a food processor or blender, along with any drippings from the pan.
• Puree until smooth, stopping 2 to 3 times to scrape down the sides.
• Transfer to a large nonreactive bowl and set aside.
• In a small nonreactive saucepan, combine the peach nectar, remaining sugar and star anise over medium heat.
• Use the tip of blunt knife to scrape the vanilla bean seeds into mixture.
• Bring to a boil and then remove from heat.
• Let the syrup infuse for about 1 hour; then strain through a fine sieve into a nonreactive bowl and add the citrus juices.
• Slowly add the peach syrup to the peach puree until the desired flavor is achieved.
• If the soup is flavored to your liking but too thick, add a little plain peach juice to thin.
• Cover and refrigerate until completely cold.
• To serve, ladle into chilled soup cups and garnish with sliced strawberries and mint.