To poach peaches without alcohol, start by creating a flavored syrup using some water, sugar and some aromatics such as vanilla beans, cinnamon sticks, citrus peels or even herbal tea.
Then gently simmer peeled peaches in the liquid until the peaches are tender.
After cooking, then you remove the peaches and the syrup can then be reduced further or used as is.
To poach your peaches, choose some peaches which are ripe but still firm enough to hold their shape.
Then blanch and peel the peaches.
To easily remove the skins of the peaches, make an 'X' on the bottom of each peach, then blanch the peaches in some boiling water for a couple of minutes, then transfer the peaches into an ice bath.
Once they are peeled, cut the peaches in half and remove the pits.
To make the poaching liquid, combine water, sugar and your chosen flavorings in a saucepan.
Then add a vanilla bean or extract or include some lemon slices or orange peel for a bright flavor.
A cinnamon stick or star anise can also add warmth and you can infuse the liquid with some fresh herbs like rosemary or mint or even strong brewed tea.
And you can use apple cider or another fruit juice for a different flavor.