Roasted Nectarines

Tis the season for eating lots and lots of fruit.  Around here, peaches are pretty popular, probably because those are one of the only fruits you can actually grow here in the Midwest.  But peaches are fuzzy, and I absolutely cannot stand to eat them in their natural form.  Thanks to my friend Becky, I no longer have to worry about this because she has turned me onto nectarines, the peach's hairless cousin.  Nectarines have pretty much become my favorite fruit.  I would grow a nectarine tree in my backyard if I could.

I feel like nectarines get the short end of the stick in life.  Peaches are like the nectarine's older over-achieving sibling.  Everyone always talks about how great peaches are, and peaches have dozens of recipes devoted to them.  When does anyone ever oogle over nectarines?  Well, I am determined to give nectarines some love, and I think you will love them just as much as I do after you make this dessert.

Roasted Nectarines
Makes 4 servings
Start to finish: 35 minutes

2 ripe nectarines
1/2 cup crunchy flake cereal (think Honey Bunches of Oats)
1 Tbsp honey
Whipped cream or ice cream for topping

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees.  Cut your nectarines in half and twist them to release the pit (note this will only work if your nectarines are actually ripe).  Take a spoon to the side with the pit still in tact and pop it out.  Place them in a square baking dish, cut side up.

Take half a cup of a flaky, crunchy cereal and put it in a bowl.  I used this cereal but I think Honey Bunches of Oats would be a perfect mainstream substitute:

To your bowl, add one tablespoon of honey and mix it until it all the cereal is coated.

Divide this mixture equally among your nectarine halves, pressing the topping down lightly.

Place in the oven for 30 minutes, or until the nectarines are soft and the topping is golden brown.

Top with whipped cream...

Or ice cream O:-)

I think I like the ice cream better don't you?  Man, writing this blog post has made me want to make these all over again.  Do you think if you left off the ice cream, these could be considered breakfast?  If you'll excuse me...