Almond Macaroon Nectarines with Sauternes Custard

Macaroons, little sweet biscuits originally from Italy but popularised and made famous in north-eastern France, have a wonderful chewy texture that works perfectly with cooked nectarines. The macaroon stuffing used in this dessert, made to resemble the stones that have been removed from the fruit, offers a contrast in texture to the smooth, firm and juicy nectarine flesh. The recipe works just as well with other stone fruits, such as peaches or apricots.