Where did I find apricots at this time of the year? I would love to give so many different answers, my favourite being..the farmer’s markets. Alas! That is a hardly a possibility in the dead of winter. I am constantly dreaming of Spring and Summer, of juicy stone fruits, sunny beaches, of ice pops and every kind of summery treat. I have been doing the last two, though (beaches and ice pops). Being in Sydney, you can’t escape the beaches but it’s never like Summer.
I had a glut of apricots last summer and that is when I had cooked with these. I think, I liked them so much from a photography perspective that I wanted to keep them as simple and intact as possible. Apricots in season are so sweet and juicy by themselves that I best enjoy them plain.
There is really no recipe. You wouldn’t need one. I halved the apricots and removed the stones. I sautéed them in a little butter till they were slightly golden. On removing from the heat, I placed them on a serving tray. Drizzled a bit of honey (whilst they are warm), spooned over goat’s cheese and scattered with toasted pine nuts.
Apricots are versatile so this dish is open to all possible variations. Mascarpone or Ricotta can be used in place of goat’s cheese. Replace pine nuts with almonds or pistachios. Add mint or basil for an extra herby punch. Spice works too. A sprinkling of powdered cinnamon, ginger or cardamom elevates the flavours to a whole new level.
I’m dreaming of such ripe and delicious apricots, such wonderful fruit!
And I love the combo of goat cheese with pine nuts! Texture and flavoursome with apricots!
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
Me too Uru! Can’t wait for Summer!
Oh, my favourite – peaches! Loads of them, I’m in heaven!!!
Julie
Gourmet Getaways
Thanks Julie!
What a delightful and comforting treat… Something that is also guilt-free!
Yes, guilt free…for a change:-)
what a lovely dessert!
Thank you Dina!
Your Apricots with Honey look divine!
Thank you!
Nice! I love the combination of the sweetness of the apricot with the slightly salty cheese…yum!
Awesome pictures Sonali…hope you are having a colorful week
Yes, it’s a rocking combination. Thank you Daniela!
Over here, apricots are crazily priced. So I seldom buy and prefer our local fruits. The shots are simply so good. Eventually good is the simple apricot dish.
Thanks Nava!
I see this as a canapé, with blue cheese, pistachios and cracked pepper. Olive oil instead of honey? Maybe a few, very few little sprinkles of balsamic…
I just stumbled on your blog and have been working my way back through it for the last hour. What an amazing collection of flavors and visual stimulation. You have stunning photographs, gorgeous in simplicity but beautiful use of color. I love the use of the purple basil in this one!