Nectarines Baked with Honey, Orange & Cardamom

Located on coastal plain Perth is relatively flat, but 30-45 minutes drive from the city there is the beautiful Perth Hills region dotted with orchards where you can pick your own fruits such as these lovely nectarines (pictured above) during the summer months.  While they are naturally sweet and juicy to eat, bake them with honey, orange juice and fragrant cardamom pods for a little indulgence.  Yellow nectarines with their slight tartness neutralised in the cooking process work particularly well in this recipe.  Have them for breakfast and dessert with yoghurt or thick cream on top.

Serves 4

INGREDIENTS

• 5 ripe but firm nectarines
• 3 tablespoons honey
• 4 cardamom pods, bruised
• 1 orange, juiced
• 1 cup Greek yoghurt or thick cream

METHOD

1. Cut the nectarines in half horizontally until your knife hits the pit.  Hold each nectarine in your palm and twist to separate.  Loosen the pit by cutting around it, then ease it out with your fingers.
2. Place nectarines in a baking dish large enough to hold them snugly in a single layer, cut-side up.
3. Drizzle with honey.  Scatter over bruised cardamom pods and seeds.  Pour over orange juice.
4. Bake in a preheated 180°C/350°F oven for 15 minutes until tender and golden.  Serve with yoghurt or thick cream.