Wednesday's Poem, Pics and Recipe - Nectarine Dumplings

Ode to the Farmers Market and Nectarine Dumplings

Ode to the Farmers Market

Potatoes and Carrots

Beets and Greens
Tomatoes and Strawberries
Rhubarb and Beans

Bok Choy and Walnuts
Squash and Mangoes

Chives and Grapefruit

Into my bag it goes

Oranges and Basil

Spinach and mushrooms

Apples and Grapes

Honey and Seasonal Blooms

Kale and Peanuts

Okra and Romaine

Broccoli and Plums
Honey and Fresh Sugar Cane

Kettle Corn and Avocados
Fingerlings and Radish

Cabbage and Pears
For all of it I am glad(ish)

On a recent trip to the farmers market, I tasted what were called Mango Nectarines. I didn't really taste mango but I did taste the best nectarine I ever had. It was perfectly sweet and I wanted more and more. I made my tummy ache with all the sweet nectarines I ate on my way home. I bought a ton. I couldn't wait to get home and make the most fabulous nectarine dessert. By the time I parked the car - I thought - Nectarine Dumplings.

I use flaky pastry dough and wrapped halved nectarines. They baked in a deep pan surrounded by a thick bubbling caramel sauce. Perfect topped with ice cream or a little milk.

Nectarine Dumplings

Worth all the effort

Pastry

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon salt

2/3 cup vegetable shortening - I don't like using butter here...shortening works best.

1 egg

2 tablespoons water

1 TBS lemon juice

Place Flour and salt in bowl of food processor. Pulse to combine. Add shortening and pulse til looks like small peas. Add egg and pulse. Add water and lemon juice until a ball forms. Remove dough to a floured surface. Roll out and cut into 6 squares.

Made by hand: Cut in the shortening with a fork until mix resembles small peas. Add egg, water and juice until a dough forms. Place on floured surface and knead just a couple of times to bring dough completely together. Roll and cut into 6 squares.

Nectarines/Center

3 whole Nectarine halved

6 TBS Sugar mixed with 1 tsp cinnamon

Place 2 TBS of sugar mixture on each square and place halved nectarine, cut side down on top. Brush the edges of the dough with a little water. Fold up edges and cover nectarine with dough completely. Repeat with remaining halves. Place dough balls in to a buttered, deep casserole dish. A 13 X 9 pan will do. Mine are never really pretty but they bake up golden and delicious.

Syrup

1/2 cup brown sugar

1/2 cup sugar
1 cup water

3 TBS butter

1/4 tsp cinnamon

1/8 tsp nutmeg

In small sauce pan, combine water and sugars. Bring to a boil. Boil for 2 minutes. Remove from heat and add butter and spices. Stir til melted. Pour over dough balls.

Bake nectarine dumplings at 375 degrees for 30 minutes. Check to make sure nectarine are soft by poking with tip of knife.

Let cook slightly, though it will be hard to wait. Perfect with ice cream or milk!!

Enjoy!

I watched Confessions of a Shopaholic. I was a little disappointed. She didn't go to one farmers market, grocery store or Sur La Table thru the whole movie. What kinda shoppin' was she doin'? - Me