Nectarine Creamsicles with Rose Water

Step 1

Pit fruit, cut into chunks, and put in a large saucepan with 1/2 cup sugar and the lemon juice. Cover, bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until pulp mashes easily with a spoon, 5 to 8 minutes.

Step 2

Transfer fruit with a slotted spoon to a food processor. Whirl until only tiny pieces of skin remain. Return to liquid in pan, stir in rose water, and chill in a bowl of ice water until very cold, stirring occasionally.

Step 3

Pour mixture into a 9- by 13-in. pan, cover, and freeze until it's firm but still shows a fingerprint when pressed, about 2 1/2 hours.

Step 4

Beat cream, remaining 2 tsp. sugar, and the vanilla with a mixer in a medium bowl until thick. Stir frozen mixture to soften slightly, then fold in cream with a few strokes to leave big white streaks. Spoon mixture into 8 or 9 popsicle molds (1/3-cup size) and push a popsicle stick into each.

Step 5

Freeze creamsicles, covered, until firm, at least 6 1/2 hours. To remove, dip molds in a bowl of warm water about 10 seconds, then gently squeeze pops to loosen.

Step 6

*Find rose water with baking supplies at well-stocked supermarkets.

Step 7

Make ahead: Up to 2 weeks.

Step 8

Note: Nutritional analysis is per creamsicle.