Baked nectarines with herbs and honey

Summer really feels like it has arrived when the gorgeous soft stone fruits arrive in great helps of cheerful colours. Nectarines are a family favourite and for a self-confessed "not very good at desserts" person, they are wonderful for a simple treat after the main course. The best herbs for this are thyme and/or rosemary as they give a subtle, smoky flavour, and use some good honey as you only need a little. We once found some truffle honey which was incredible, but sadly have not found it again. If you feel like a little garnish for the simple fruit, ice cream or cream works, but the fruit is fabulous all on it's own!

Serves: 3-4 as a main course, allowing one nectarine per person

Time to prepare/cook: Approximately 20 to 30 minutes

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Ingredients

• 1 nectarine (make sure they are ripe!) per person plus a couple extra for those that need more

• A spray of olive oil for the baking dish

• A handful of fresh thyme or rosemary, washed and chopped

• A couple of teaspoons of good quality honey (about 1/4 teaspoon per nectarine half)

• Optional: Cream/ice cream to serve with the fruit

Method

• Pre-heat the oven to 200 degrees C

• Rinse the fruit and herbs in cold water

• Carefully cut each nectarine in half and remove the stone

• Take the herb leaves off their stalks and chop finely

• Lightly oil a baking dish and set the halved nectarines on this

• Drizzle a small amount of honey over the top of each nectarine and add a a pinch of the chopped herbs to each

• Place the baking dish in the oven and cook for approx. 15 to 20 minutes or until the fruit is tender

• Serve immediately!