2 pounds ripe but firm stone fruit (such as nectarines, peaches, plums, cherries or a mix)
1 tablespoon lemon juice, plus more as needed
2 teaspoons granulated sugar, plus more as needed
Flaky sea salt
8 ounces fresh mozzarella, at room temperature
About 20 basil or mint leaves, or a combination, torn if large
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus more as needed
Freshly ground black pepper
Pit the stone fruit and cut into irregular pieces. Transfer to a serving platter, then sprinkle with the lemon juice, sugar and ½ teaspoon flaky sea salt. Toss with your hands, then let sit until juices pool on the platter, 5 to 10 minutes. Taste and adjust sugar, salt and lemon juice until the fruit tastes perky and bright — like the greatest stone fruit you’ve eaten.
Tear the mozzarella into bite-size pieces and nestle it among the fruit. Tuck in the herb leaves. Drizzle the platter with olive oil. If the cheese looks dry, add a little more oil. Sprinkle with a few grinds of black pepper and a pinch of flaky salt, and serve.
Reader comment: An old serious eats trick can help breath life into standard grocery store fresh mozzarella: soak it for an hour in warm (~110F) salted (1tsp/cup) whole milk.