Nectarines with Vanilla Cream

Ripe nectarines and cool vanilla cream make a light, refreshing dessert. Use fragrant fruit that yields slightly when pressed but is still firm enough to slice.

Ingredients

Serves 4

• 4 ripe nectarines
• 250 ml heavy cream, well chilled
• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract or the seeds of 1 vanilla bean
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• Fresh mint or toasted sliced almonds, optional

Preparation

1. Wash, halve and pit the nectarines. Cut them into wedges and toss gently with the lemon juice.
2. Whip the chilled cream with the powdered sugar and vanilla until it forms soft peaks. Avoid overwhipping.
3. Divide the nectarines among serving dishes and spoon the vanilla cream alongside or over the fruit.
4. Garnish with mint or toasted almonds, if desired, and serve immediately.

Optional warm variation

For a deeper flavor, briefly cook the nectarine wedges in a hot pan until lightly caramelized. Allow them to cool for a few minutes before serving with the cold vanilla cream.

Tips

• If the nectarines are very sweet, reduce the powdered sugar.
• For a lighter cream, replace half of the whipped cream with thick plain yogurt.
• Peaches, apricots or plums can be prepared in the same way.