Summertime Sweets: Nectarine Thyme Crumble

One of the things I love most about late Summer is the oodles of fabulous ripe fruit. Specifically peaches, plums and, my personal favorite, nectarines! There’s just something about the smell of a perfectly ripe nectarine. If I hold it up to my nose, close my eyes and inhale, it’s intoxicating perfume just takes me back to childhood and happy Summer memories. One of my favorite ways to enjoy this fruity deliciousness is through recipes that really let the fresh ingredients shine. So, I’m super happy to share one of my favorite Summertime Sweets with you: Nectarine Thyme Crumble.

nectarine-thyme-crumble-nectarines nectarine-thyme-crumble-bowl-of-sliced

There’s just nothing like a crumble to showcase delicious Summer fruit! And thankfully, they couldn’t be easier to make. A crumble is simply a dessert consisting of cooked fruit topped with a crumbly mixture of butter, flour and sugar which is then baked in the oven until the topping is crisp and deliciously browned. The dish originated in Britain during World War II when the ingredients for pie pastry were scarce and it has remained popular to this day. A crumble is often served with ice cream, which begins to melt the minute it hits the warm dessert – sheer deliciousness! In addition to nectarines, a crumble can also be made with a variety of fruit such as apples, blackberries, peaches, rhubarb and plums. I especially like baking a crumble in a cast iron pan which gives it a deliciously rustic touch but you can always use a glass baking dish instead.

nectarine-thyme-crumble-fresh-thyme nectarine-thyme-crumble-fruit-thyme-in-pan

For maximum enjoyment, use the ripest nectarines you can get your hands on. Be sure to purchase an extra one to indulge in as you slice the fruit for the recipe – they are soooooo delicious! Whenever I make fruit desserts I really like to add a little liqueur to enhance the flavor and bump up the complexity. For this recipe, I add a little J Vineyards Pear Liqueur which beautifully enhances the flavor of the nectarines. If I’m using citrus, however, I’ll usually add some Grand Marnier, an orange-flavored liqueur made from a blend of Cognac brandy, distilled essence of bitter orange and sugar. Or, if I’m using raspberries and/or blackberries, I love to add some Chambord, a liqueur from the Loire Valley made from red and black raspberries, Madagascar vanilla, honey and cognac. By all means, feel free to experiment with different liqueurs you have on hand to discover combinations that makes your palate smile.

nectarine-thyme-crumble-streusel-pan nectarine-thyme-crumble-main-photo-2

To pair with the Nectarine Thyme Crumble, I highly recommend a Moscato d’Asti from Italy’s Piedmont region. Since the dessert is not cloyingly sweet and allows the natural flavor of the fruit the shine through, this wine’s light sweetness and delicate flavors of peach, citrus and honey complement it nicely. These wines are also what the Italians call “frizzante,” or slightly sparkling. They are not quite as bubbly as Champagne, but have a subtle, frothy effervescence that adds a delightful texture to the wine as well as whatever it’s paired with. We especially like the Michele Chiarlo Nivole Moscato d’Asti and La Spinetta Moscato d’Asti “Biancospino” and “Bricco Quaglia“.

nectarine-thyme-crumble-dessert-plated

I hope you enjoy this Summertime Sweets recipe for Nectarine Thyme Crumble as much as we do! I’d also love to know, what are YOUR favorite Summer flavors and/or desserts that you enjoy this time of year? Please do tell in the Comments section below!

Bon appétit,

Save Print

"Summertime Sweets: Nectarine Thyme Crumble"

Author: Stephanie Miskew | The Glamorous Gourmet

Recipe type: Dessert

Serves: 6

This recipe fits nicely in a 10" cast iron pan & pairs nicely with a Moscato d'Asti from Italy's Piedmont region.

Ingredients

6 ripe nectarines, thinly sliced
6 Tablespoons granulated sugar
1½ Tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
6 thyme sprigs, plus extra for garnish
¾ cup all purpose flour
4 Tablespoons light brown sugar
2 Tablespoons wheat germ
¼ cup butter, softened
1 Tablespoon pear brandy or other similarly flavored liqueur
Kosher salt

Instructions

) In a large bowl, toss the sliced nectarines, granulated sugar, lemon juice, thyme sprigs and a pinch of Kosher salt. Let marinate for 1 hour.
) Preheat over to 375 degrees. In another bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, wheat germ and a pinch of Kosher salt. Work the softened butter into the mixture with your fingers until it has the consistency of sand. Spread the mixture out evenly on a baking sheet, making sure the clumps are of similar sizes so they cook evenly.
) Bake the streusel in the oven for approximately 10-15 minutes, stirring 1-2 times, until the mixture is lightly and evenly browned. Set aside to cool.
) Spoon the nectarine mixture, including the thyme and any accumulated juices, into a 10" cast iron pan. Bake for approximately 20 minutes, until the fruit is softened and the juices are bubbling.
) Scatter the streusel on top of the nectarine mixture in the cast iron pan and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until browned and bubbly. Garnish with additional thyme sprigs and serve with generous scoops of vanilla ice cream.

The post Summertime Sweets: Nectarine Thyme Crumble appeared first on The Glamorous Gourmet.