When nature provides ingredients as sumptuous as these, give them a starring role and they will bring the magic of their vibrant colours and flavours to every dish.
WATCH: Easy chocolate mousse with plums two-ways
There’s nothing better than fresh fruit of the season, fragrant and packed with sweet juice that only nature can provide. Stone fruits are no exception – they’re the perfect handheld parcel to fill many a lunch box and fruit platter. We all know they’re a treat to enjoy straight off the branch, but there are a wealth of ways to bring their goodness to your next bake day, from a humble slice to a glam semifreddo. Easy to prepare and a delight to use, get ready to love these glorious gems.
Here are 10 delicious desserts to make with your favourite stone fruits.
Apricot
Long deemed a retro relic, the humble apricot lends itself to all manner of modern flavours, perfect for any occasion.
1. Apricot, orange blossom water and pistachio semifreddo
A whirlwind of flavours come together in this blissful dish – layers of apricot play with hints of orange in every bite. Yum!
2. Apricot and olive oil slice
Served with brown sugar cream, this is an easy bake and an easy winner for afternoon tea.
Peaches
The only difference between a peach and a nectarine is the gene that gives the peach its fuzziness.
3. Peach and nectarine shortcake
This peachy delight paired with cream and shortcake is a sure winner.
4. Summer strawberry and peach cheesecake tart
Beautifully encased in a rich olive oil pastry and topped with fresh fruit of the season.
Nectarines
Nectarines each come in the freestone and clingstone varieties. Freestones, or slipstones, are as the name suggests – they come away from the stone easily. Simply halve the fruit and remove the stone. The clingstone variety, however, means fruit must be cut away from the centre.
5. Nectarine tartlets
How cute are these cups! Filled with orange zest custard, they’re a cinch to make and look lovely on any plate.
6. Grilled nectarine trifle with cinnamon-spiked sour cream
Balance the smokiness of grilled nectarines with the sweetness of spiked cream, then add a splash of sherry for the perfect summer entertainer.
Plums
The best plums are those with a whitish bloom, a sign of freshness. When ripe, the fruit should feel firm but not hard, and the skin
should be free of blemishes. Plums can be halved, the stone removed, then frozen for up to 4 months. Removing the stone prevents
it from imparting a bitter flavour.
7. Easy chocolate mousse with plums two ways
In this classic dessert, the juicy plums are grilled and reduced so you don’t miss any of that sweet plummy flavour. While chocolate mousse may seem difficult to make, it really is something you can try this weekend. And if like Ed, you’re not at home, don’t worry, his recipe is easy to make, even on a campfire.
8. Summer roasted plum trifle
Roasting plums caramelises the stone fruit into something that’s sweet, delicious and perfect in any dessert.
9. Plum upside-down cake
With tea on the table, this cake is the perfect post-meal partner. Tastes so good, you won’t know which way is up!
10. Plum crostata
Lattice entertain you with a velvet-smooth butter pastry and fruity filling that’s as striking in colour as it is in flavour.
You may also like
How to pick the most delicious stone fruit
7 mouth-watering desserts you need to make before summer is over
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