Never Say Nectarine

Nectarines on the left-Peaches on the right

Never say Nectarine . . . if you really mean peaches.  It’s surprising how many people confuse the two.  Similar in shape and coloring, peaches originated in China and were introduced to Europe and later the New World, by way of Persia, hence the old moniker Persian Apple.  Nectarines also originated in China, but have since undergone lots of propagation and modifications.  Peaches have fuzzy skin while the epidermis of the Nectarine is smooth.  Both have large pits in the center are in season from about May to October, with Nectarines coming onto the fresh produce scene a bit later in spring and finishing up closer to September.  Nectarines also seem a bit more delicate and sensitive than peaches as they are prone to brown rot and diseases.  Generous amounts of vitamins A and C can be found in both these fruits.  And while there are a great variety of both peaches and nectarines they are separated into two groups known as clingstones and freestones.  These terms refer to the ease or difficulty with which the pit can be separated from the pulp or meat of the fruit inside.

In terms of culinary, I suppose you could use peaches and nectarines interchangeably.  Although it has been my experience that peaches are juicier making them my preference over nectarines in pies, cobblers, and tarts.  Although Nectarines hold up really well in salads and in sauces melding the sweet with the savory.  Think of them as a luscious alternative to applesauce over thick, braised pork chops.  And while peaches or nectarines would make for a wonderful ice cream or sorbet, it has been my experience nectarines hold up better on the grill than peaches.  So that’s what we’re going to do this week. Grilled Peaches and Panna Cotta. 

Panna Cotta is an incredibly simple (takes about 7 minutes to prepare) and lovely dessert to have as part of your recipe repertoire.  Generally a warmed assembly of milk, heavy whipping cream, a sweetener and unflavored gelatin, poured into individual ramekins, then unmolded onto a plate and topped with fresh fruit or a colis.  Northern Italians lays claim as the originators of this creamy confection.  But there don’t seem to be any references to Panna Cotta (literally translated means cooked cream) in any Italian cookbooks prior to 1960.  It’s rumored the dessert was in fact created by a Hungarian woman who happen to live in Langhe, which is in the Piedmont Region of Northern Italy. 

What I LOVE about my decision to prepare and share with you my recipe for Panna Cotta with grilled nectarines, is that peaches and/or nectarines are reported to be the original fruit colis prepared to complement this dessert! 

Here’s the basic recipe with some alternatives included for Panna Cotta

                                                                                                               Makes 6 servings

Ingredients

1 envelope unflavored gelatin                     3 tablespoons cold water

1 ¼ cups heavy whipping cream                 2 cups honey or vanilla yogurt (Greek is best)*

½ cup fine granulated sugar *                      1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste

1 teaspoon fresh grated lemon zest           pinch salt

*you can substitute buttermilk or whole milk for the yogurt *you can substitute honey for the sugar *you can substitute espresso powder or rum for the lemon zest.

For the fruit topping – three fresh, ripe nectarines, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 2-3 tablespoons honey, grape seed or vegetable oil for the grill and the ramekins.

1)1      Measure the cold water into a large mixing bowl.  Sprinkle the entire envelope of gelatin into the water and set aside.

2)2      In a heavy, medium saucepot, whisk together the heavy whipping cream, salt and sugar, over low heat just until sugar completely dissolves – Note: if you’ve decided to use buttermilk or whole milk in place of yogurt add that ingredient to the saucepot as well (yogurt is added later).   Do not let this mixture come to boil.

3)3      Remove saucepot from the heat and whisk in vanilla paste, lemon zest (and rum or other ingredient of choice)

4)4      Pour warmed milk/cream mixture into the bowl of gelatin and stir until well mixed.  Now whisk in yogurt.

5) 5     Pour panna cotta mixture into 6 individual ramekins that have been lightly brushed with the unflavored oil.  Place in refrigerator until cool and firm.

Meanwhile – cut nectarines in half and remove pits (hopefully you purchased the freestone variety). Lightly brush grill with oil and grill both sides of nectarines for about 2-3 minutes per side.  You should have nice marks showing before you remove the fruit from the grill.  Immediately after removing the fruit from the grill, slice the nectarines into thin slices.  Place nectarine slices into a large mixing bowl also lightly greased with the unflavored oil, then drizzle with honey and sprinkle with cinnamon.  Cover loosely until ready to use.

For plating up, slide a thin knife along the inside edges of each ramekin and invert the panna cotta onto a small dessert plate or shallow bowl.   Spoon the sliced, honeyed nectarines over each serving of panna cotta.  YUM!!!

For an even simpler preparation you can pour a generous spoonful of marmalade or a commercially prepared raspberry-chipotle sauce over each serving of panna cotta!  Sweet marmalade with its tart citrus taste is great over this and the raspberry-chipotle with its sweet/smoky heat over the cool panna cotta . . . oh!  Easy-Sneezy.