Warm Caramelized Fruit

One day I bought some nectarines that looked delicious, but when I tried one, it was cottony and flavorless. Disappointed, I was tempted to throw out the whole batch, but I decided to try to duplicate something I’d seen a cook make in Abruzzo, in central Italy. I tossed the sliced nectarines and a handful of berries with rum and roasted them until they softened. Then I sprinkled on some sugar and roasted them a little longer, until the juices had caramelized.
It was magic! The sugar, rum, and fruit juices combined to form a luscious sauce, and the nectarines had become sweet and juicy. We ate the fruit warm with ice cream and the leftovers cold with yogurt. This also makes a good sauce for cake or a tasty topping for fresh ricotta for breakfast. Use whatever fruits you like, such as nectarines, peaches, grapes, plums, berries, and apples. You will need about 8 cups of fruit in all.

SERVES: 6

INGREDIENTS:

• 5 large nectarines or peeled peaches, pitted and cut into wedges
• 6 medium apricots, pitted and cut into wedges
• 1 cup raspberries or blueberries
• ¼ cup dark rum or amaretto
• ¼ cup sugar
• Vanilla ice cream or Greek yogurt (optional)

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F.
2. Place the fruit in a 13- ×-9- ×-2-inch baking pan and drizzle with the rum.
3. Cover the pan with foil.
4. Bake for 10 minutes, or until the fruit is tender when pierced with a fork (firm fruit such as apples will take longer).
5. Sprinkle the fruit with the sugar.
6. Leave uncovered and return the pan to the oven. Bake for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the juices are thickened and slightly caramelized. Watch carefully so that the juices do not scorch.
7. Serve warm, plain or with ice cream, if you like.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS:

Here are some serving suggestions to enjoy in various ways.

• Serve the warm caramelized fruit as a dessert on its own, allowing the natural sweetness and flavors to shine.
• Top the warm fruit with a dollop of vanilla ice cream or Greek yogurt for a creamy and refreshing contrast.
• Sprinkle some toasted nuts, such as almonds or walnuts, over the caramelized fruit for added texture and nuttiness.
• Drizzle a little honey or maple syrup over the warm fruit for extra sweetness.
• Serve the caramelized fruit alongside a slice of pound cake or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for a delightful dessert combination.
• Use the warm fruit as a topping for pancakes, waffles, or French toast to add a burst of flavor and natural sweetness to your breakfast.
• Add the caramelized fruit to a bowl of oatmeal or yogurt for a delicious and nutritious start to your day.
• Create a fruit parfait by layering the warm caramelized fruit with yogurt and granola for a wholesome and satisfying dessert or breakfast option.
• Use the caramelized fruit as a filling for crepes or turnovers, adding a touch of indulgence to your pastry creations.
• Enjoy the warm caramelized fruit alongside a cheese platter as a sweet and savory combination, complementing the flavors of various cheeses.