Wrong time rain, Oil on canvas, 60 x 76cm Finalist Advertiser Contemporary Artists, 2007
Thirteen years ago I participated in my first SALA (if I recall correctly) and two pieces were nominated as finalists in the Advertiser Contemporary Art Award. I was so excited. My first selection as a finalist, it gave me such a boost! Thank you SALA for encouraging me and so many others over the years.
As children we grew up with white nectarines in the backyard, but these gold fleshed beauties are from my sister’s tree. She had been watching them ripen with delight, but one day a summer rain came at just the wrong time and the fruit began to split before our dismayed eyes.
My brother was the first to serve me roasted stone fruit. Normally we just stewed, preserved, jammed or ate them fresh. These firm yellow fleshed nectarines are perfect for baking at 180C, halved, stone removed, cut side up. Sprinkle them with brown sugar, herbs of your choice and a squeeze of juice, orange or mandarine, lemon, cumquat. Nestle in your old vanilla pods and maybe cinnamon quills. I love thyme and a bit of black pepper, or pepperberry.
Serve with your favourite icecream, sorbet, yogurt, a splash of liqueur, flame it in brandy….the options are endless…..experiment next summer and let me know your favourite combinations.