Apricot's Perfect Pair: Cheeses That Sing In Harmony

Apricots and cheese is a classic flavour pairing. The fruit's sweetness is a perfect match for a range of cheeses, from creamy goat's cheese to salty feta and sharp cheddar. You can serve the two together in a variety of ways, from salads to crostini, or even stuffed apricots.

Goat's cheese, cream cheese, and Roquefort are some cheeses that go well with apricot

Apricots and cheese are a classic flavour pairing. While a sharp cheddar is a popular choice, goat's cheese, cream cheese, and Roquefort are some other cheeses that go well with apricot.

A simple, tasty, and quick-to-make apricot and cheese snack is an apricot and goat's cheese salad. This can be made with dried apricots, blueberry-vanilla goat cheese, lemon, mint, and pine nuts. Another option is to stuff fresh apricot halves with goat's cheese, top with toasted walnuts, and drizzle with honey. A four-ingredient goat's cheese spread can also be made with apricot preserves, hot honey, and pistachios, served with crackers or toasted baguette slices.

Cream cheese is another good pairing with apricot. This can be served as a spread with apricot preserves, almonds, basil, and honey, again with crackers or apples. Apricot cream cheese buns are also an option.

For those who enjoy blue cheese, an apricot and blue cheese Pico and chunky pea salad is one possible dish, or an apricot, blue cheese, and pecan salad.

Apricot and almond cheese spread is a tasty and simple appetiser

Apricot and Almond Cheese Spread: A Tasty and Simple Appetiser

Apricot and almond cheese spread is a delicious and simple appetiser that is perfect for entertaining guests or enjoying as a quick snack. This recipe combines sweet and savoury flavours, resulting in a delightful blend of tastes and textures. The best part? It's incredibly easy to make and can be prepared in just a few minutes!

Ingredients

To make this appetiser, you'll need the following ingredients:

• Cream cheese or goat cheese
• Dried apricots
• Almonds
• Apricot preserves
• Honey (optional)
• Basil or parsley (optional)

Instructions

Here's a step-by-step guide to preparing this tasty treat:

• Start by softening your chosen cheese (cream cheese or goat cheese) at room temperature.
• Spread the apricot preserves on a platter or cheese tray to create a base for the cheese mixture.
• Place the almonds in a bag and crush them into small pieces.
• Chop the dried apricots into small pieces.
• Mix the chopped apricots and almonds together, adding in the basil or parsley if desired.
• Form the softened cheese into a log shape and roll it in the apricot, almond, and herb mixture until completely covered.
• Place the cheese log on top of the apricot preserves and drizzle with honey for an extra touch of sweetness.
• Serve with crackers, pita chips, or sliced baguette.

Customisation and Variations

This recipe is versatile and can be customised to your taste preferences:

• Cheese: While cream cheese or goat cheese are commonly used, you can experiment with other varieties like blue cheese or Roquefort.
• Nuts: If you're not an almond fan, feel free to substitute them with other nuts like pistachios, walnuts, or pecans.
• Honey: For an extra kick, try using spicy hot honey instead of regular honey. Or, if you prefer less sweetness, you can reduce the amount of honey or omit it altogether.
• Fruit: While dried apricots are used in this recipe, you can also try using fresh apricots when they're in season for a slightly different flavour.

Serving Suggestions

This apricot and almond cheese spread is perfect for entertaining guests, holiday gatherings, or even as a quick game day snack. It's an elegant yet simple appetiser that will impress your friends and family. Serve it with a variety of crackers, pita chips, or sliced baguette, and don't be afraid to experiment with different types of bread for added texture and flavour.

Roasted apricots with honey cheese spread is a great appetiser

The apricots are roasted in the oven with sugar or honey, fresh herbs, and other seasonings, which brings out their natural sweetness and creates a chunky, jam-like consistency. Roasting apricots is a simple way to elevate the fruit and create a delicious treat.

For the cheese spread, a combination of creamy goat cheese or chevre, apricot preserves, honey, and chopped nuts is a perfect complement to the roasted fruit. The spread can be made with regular honey or, for a unique twist, lavender-infused honey, which adds delicate floral notes to the dish. The nuts can be walnuts, pistachios, almonds, or pecans, adding a salty crunch to the spread.

To assemble the appetiser, spread the cheese mixture on a platter, top it with the roasted apricots, and finish with an extra drizzle of honey. Serve with crackers, pita chips, or toasted baguette slices for a quick and impressive appetiser that your guests will surely enjoy.

Apricot and cheddar crostini is a simple, no-cook party bite

Apricot and Cheddar Crostini: A Simple, No-Cook Party Bite

Ingredients

• 16 teaspoons of apricot jam
• 16 slices of sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 French baguette
• Microgreens (optional)

Method

To make this delicious appetizer, start by toasting slices of a French baguette. You can also buy pre-toasted baguette slices to save time. The key is to have bite-sized pieces, so your guests can easily pop them into their mouths.

Once you have your toasted baguette slices, spread an even layer of apricot jam or preserves on each one. This sweet and tangy fruit pairs perfectly with the sharp cheddar cheese. Place a slice of cheddar on top of the jam, and if you'd like to add a bit of colour and freshness, garnish with microgreens.

Arrange the crostini on a platter, and you're ready to serve! As a rule of thumb, it's good to have 3-4 crostini per person.

This easy appetizer is perfect for unexpected guests or last-minute get-togethers. It's a simple yet elegant way to impress your guests, and the best part is that it only takes a few ingredients and minutes to prepare!

Variations

While apricot and cheddar is a delightful combination, you can also experiment with other pairings. Try using hearty blackberry jam with sharp cheddar for a different twist. If you're feeling adventurous, you can also substitute the cheddar with other cheeses like goat cheese or cream cheese.

Apricot cheese salad is a tasty meal

One option for an apricot cheese salad is to use dried apricots, blueberry-vanilla goat cheese, lemon, mint, and pine nuts. You can crumble the goat cheese and chiffonade the mint to create a tasty salad.

If you prefer fresh apricots, you can make a salad with apricot halves stuffed with goat cheese and topped with toasted walnuts and a drizzle of honey. This combination of sweet and savoury flavours makes for a delicious summer snack or appetizer.

Another option is to make an apricot and cheddar crostini. Simply top toasted baguette slices with apricot preserves and sharp cheddar cheese. This easy, no-cook appetizer is perfect for unexpected guests or holiday entertaining.

For a more substantial meal, you can make a salad with quinoa, apple, apricot, and pistachio. This salad combines the sweetness of the apricots and apples with the tanginess of the cheese and the crunch of the pistachios. You can also add ingredients like olive oil, honey, apple cider vinegar, and salt and pepper to taste.

So, if you're looking for a tasty and refreshing meal, apricot cheese salad is a great option. With a variety of ingredients and preparation methods, you can create a dish that's perfect for any occasion, whether it's a light summer snack or a hearty meal.

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