Pour ¼ cup cold water and ½ cup half-and-half into a small saucepan and sprinkle gelatin evenly over; let sit 10 minutes to soften (this prevents the gelatin from clumping and ensures the gelatin dissolves evenly).
Meanwhile, coat a 9.5"-diameter pie dish or cake pan with a thin film of oil; set aside. Combine ricotta, powdered sugar, vanilla, salt, and 1 cup half-and-half in a food processor.
When gelatin is softened set over low heat. Cook, stirring with a heatproof spatula, until gelatin is completely dissolved, about 5 minutes (DO NOT let mixture boil- boiling destroys gelatin’s ability to set *). For a clear, uniformly set mold, be sure the gelatin is completely dissolved before adding remaining ingredients. Scrape mixture into food processor and process until completely smooth, about 30 seconds. Pour into prepared pan and chill until set, at least 4 hours. Cover loosely with plastic wrap or foil after 1 hour (be sure not to place anything on top).
Run a butter knife or small offset spatula around sides of panna cotta to loosen the edge and break the suction. Press a serving plate firmly over top. Quickly invert in one motion; set plate down. Gently lift the empty pie dish as it breaks suction. Pour maple syrup over the top then pile peaches and nectarines. Feel free to drizzle some more maple syrup on top of the fruit.
Recipe by Between Carpools at https://betweencarpools.com/this-creamy-dreamy-maple-syrup-panna-cotta-is-a-chefs-secret/