Italian Desserts Recipes - Nectarines with Chocolate-Hazelnut Cream

Ingredients

• 2 1/4 cups water

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• 3/4 cup dry white wine

• 3 whole cloves

• 3 inches stick cinnamon

• 6 medium nectarines, pitted and sliced

• 1/3 cup mascarpone cheese

• 1/3 cup chocolate-hazelnut spread*

• 2 tablespoons butter, softened

• 1/4 cup sifted powdered sugar

• 1/3 cup chopped toasted hazelnuts (filberts)

---

Method:

1. In a medium saucepan combine the water, granulated sugar, wine, cloves, and cinnamon. Bring mixture to boiling, stirring to dissolve sugar; reduce heat. Simmer, uncovered, for 10 minutes.

2. Remove from heat. Cool for 30 minutes. Place nectarine slices in a large bowl. Pour wine mixture over nectarines. Cover and chill for 4 to 6 hours.

3. Meanwhile, for chocolate-hazelnut cream, in a small mixing bowl combine mascarpone cheese, chocolate-hazelnut spread, and butter; beat with an electric mixer on low to medium speed until well mixed. Beat in powdered sugar. Cover and chill until mixture is firm.

4. Using a slotted spoon, remove nectarine slices from syrup, reserving the syrup. Divide nectarine slices among six large shallow glasses or individual dessert dishes.

5. Place a small spoonful of chocolate-hazelnut cream in each glass or dish. Spoon 1 to 2 tablespoons reserved syrup over nectarines in each glass or dish. Sprinkle with hazelnuts.

* Note: Look for chocolate-hazelnut spread in the baking aisle or peanut butter section of large supermarkets.