From “Dessert Express,” by Lauren Chattman, available in bookstores Sept. 2. Makes 4.
Ingredients
3 tablespoons honey
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
1 teaspoon poppy seeds
1/2 teaspoon grated lemon zest
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
4 half-inch-thick slices country bread
2 nectarines, pitted and each cut into 8 wedges
Directions
Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
Put the honey, butter, poppy seeds, lemon zest and vanilla in a small bowl. Mash with the back of a spoon until well combined.
Arrange the bread slices on a baking sheet and toast in the oven until just crisp, about 5 minutes.
Preheat the broiler. Arrange the nectarines on top of the toasted bread slices. Dot with the honey-butter mixture. Broil until the fruit is warmed through and softened, 5 to 7 minutes. Remove from the oven and serve immediately.
