Cheese And Apricot Preserves: A Perfect Pairing

Apricot preserves are a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, both sweet and savoury. When it comes to cheese, the sharp, tangy flavour of apricot preserves pairs exceptionally well with mild and creamy cheeses such as brie, camembert, and chevre. For those who enjoy a stronger flavour, apricot preserves can also be combined with blue cheese, creating a unique blend of sweet and salty. Additionally, apricot preserves can be used as a spread or dip, and they go well with crackers, bread, and fresh vegetables.

Apricot preserves and gorgonzola cheese spread

Apricot Gorgonzola Cheese Spread

Ingredients:

• 2 blocks of cream cheese (8 ounces each), softened at room temperature
• 5 ounces of gorgonzola cheese, crumbled
• 3 ounces of bacon, cooked (you can use pre-cooked bacon to save time)
• 1/4 cup of green onion, chopped (green section)
• 6-8 ounces of apricot preserves (adjust the amount to your taste preferences)
• A pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)

Method:

• In a medium-sized bowl, mix all the ingredients together.
• Pour the mixture into a serving dish and chill it in the refrigerator for about an hour.
• Serve chilled with a fresh baguette, crackers, or cut vegetables.

Notes:

• For a stronger gorgonzola flavour, use less cream cheese.
• If you prefer a sweeter taste, add more apricot preserves.
• You can adjust the amount of green onion to your preference.
• Add a dash of cayenne pepper for some extra spice and flavour.
• This dip can be made a day in advance and will last for 2-3 days in the refrigerator.

What cheeses go well with apricot preserves

Apricot preserves are a versatile condiment that can be paired with a variety of cheeses. Here are some suggestions for cheeses that complement the sweet and tangy flavour of apricot preserves:

Gouda

A classic pairing for apricot preserves is Gouda cheese. Gouda has a complex nutty flavour that goes well with the sweetness of apricot. It is a perfect match for fruit, crackers, bread, and mustard.

Blue Cheese

Blue cheese, such as Gorgonzola, also pairs well with apricot preserves. The sharp, pungent flavour of blue cheese creates a nice contrast with the sweetness of the preserves. For a milder option, choose Gorgonzola Dolce or Danablu.

Brie

The creamy texture and mild flavour of Brie cheese make it an excellent choice to pair with apricot preserves. The sweetness of the preserves complements the creaminess of Brie, resulting in an indulgent treat. Baked Brie with apricot preserves is a popular and tasty combination.

Grana Cheese

Grana Padano and Parmigiano Reggiano are examples of Grana cheese, which is known for its complex and robust flavour. This type of cheese pairs well with the sweet and ripe flavours of apricot preserves.

Manchego

Apricot preserves can also be paired with Manchego cheese, a sheep's milk cheese with earthy and grassy notes. The preserves will accentuate these subtle flavours in the cheese.

When creating a cheese board or pairing cheeses with apricot preserves, it is essential to consider the balance of flavours. The sharpness of the cheese should be complemented by the sweetness of the preserves, and the ratio of cheese to preserves should be such that neither overpowers the other. Experimenting with different combinations will help you discover your favourite pairings.

How to make apricot preserves

Making apricot preserves is a fun project to take on and a great way to capture the magic of summer fruit. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make your own apricot preserves at home:

Ingredients:

• Apricots: Use a mix of ripe and unripe apricots for the best flavour.
• Lemon juice: Adds tanginess and acts as a natural preservative. Freshly squeezed lemon juice is preferred for the best flavour.
• Sugar: Granulated sugar or unrefined organic cane sugar can be used. Sugar helps to preserve the fruit and adds sweetness.
• Thyme (optional): Fresh thyme can be added for a subtle layer of flavour.
• Vanilla (optional): A vanilla pod or liquid vanilla can be used.

Instructions:

• Wash the apricots thoroughly. A mixture of 1 part white vinegar and 3 parts water can be used to remove any dirt or residue.
• Cut the apricots into halves or quarters and remove the pits.
• Place the apricot pieces in a bowl and mix with lemon juice and sugar. You can also add thyme and vanilla at this stage if desired.
• Let the mixture sit for a few hours or overnight in the refrigerator. This process is called macerating, which draws out the juices and creates a syrup.
• Transfer the apricot mixture to a pot and cook over medium heat. Bring it to a boil and then reduce the heat to a simmer.
• Mash the apricots as needed to achieve the desired consistency. For chunkier preserves, leave larger pieces of fruit intact.
• Continue simmering the mixture for about an hour, stirring occasionally, until it reaches a jam-like consistency.
• Allow the preserves to cool for a few minutes before transferring them to jars.
• Sterilize the jars and lids by washing them with hot soapy water or in a dishwasher. Then, boil them in water for about 10 minutes to ensure they are sterile.
• Fill the hot jars with the apricot preserves, leaving about 1/2 inch of space at the top.
• Seal the jars with lids and ensure they are locked properly.
• To create a vacuum seal, return the filled jars to the pot of boiling water for an additional 10 minutes.
• Remove the jars from the pot and let them cool on a countertop undisturbed for 12 hours.
• Store the apricot preserves in a cool, dry, and dark place. They will last for up to a year on the shelf or in the freezer. Once opened, refrigerate and consume within a few weeks.

Your homemade apricot preserves are now ready to enjoy! Spread them on toast, muffins, pancakes, or use them as a glaze for roast pork, chicken, or ham. They also make great gifts for friends and family.

How to serve apricot preserves

Apricot preserves are a versatile condiment that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some ideas on how to serve them:

As part of a cheese board

Apricot preserves pair well with a variety of cheeses, especially those with strong, complex flavours. Some good options include Parmigiano Reggiano, Gran Padano, Pecorino Romano, and Blue Cheese. For a milder option, try pairing the preserves with a soft cheese like Brie or Camembert. To elevate your cheese board, consider adding some nuts, such as walnuts, pecans, or almonds, and dried fruit like dried apricots, cranberries, or cherries.

As an ingredient in savoury dishes

Apricot preserves can add a sweet and tangy dimension to savoury dishes. They work particularly well with roast pork, chicken, or glazed ham. You can also use the preserves as a glaze or sauce for meats, or even as a topping for pizzas or flatbreads.

As a topping for breakfast items

Apricot preserves are a delicious addition to breakfast items like muffins, pancakes, crepes, and waffles. They provide a sweet and tangy contrast to the fluffy textures of these breakfast treats. You can also spread them on toast or serve them alongside a fresh baguette.

As a dessert

Apricot preserves can be used in desserts, such as Malva Pudding. They can also be paired with ice cream, used as a filling for cakes or pastries, or simply enjoyed by the spoonful as a sweet treat.

As an appetizer

Apricot preserves can be used to create delicious appetizers, such as an apricot gorgonzola cheese spread. Mix the preserves with cream cheese, gorgonzola cheese, bacon, and green onion for a sweet and tangy dip. Serve it chilled with a fresh baguette, crackers, or cut vegetables.

Other fruit preserves that go with cheese

While apricot preserves are a great companion to cheeses like Parmigiano Reggiano, Gran Padano, Monterey Dry Jack, and Gran Queso, there are many other fruit preserves that can be paired with different types of cheese.

For instance, blackberry jam goes well with Stilton Blue, Manchego, Triple Creme, Camembert, and Goat or Feta cheese. Blackberry jam can also be replaced with black currant jam, which can be paired with Spicy Blue Cheese, Feta, Aged Parmesan, and Sharp Cheddar. If you're feeling adventurous, try Chipotle Jelly with Spicy Blue Cheese, Feta, Aged Parmesan, or Sharp Cheddar.

Fig jam is another versatile preserve that can be paired with a variety of cheeses. Try it with Sharp Blue Cheese (Roquefort, Cabrales, Gorgonzola Piccante), mature hard cheeses like Parmigiano Reggiano, or Manchego Viejo. Goat's cheese, such as Camembert and Brie, also pairs well with fig jam, especially when served with crackers or bread.

If you're a fan of tangy flavours, consider cherry jam with Grana Cheese, Gruyere, Asiago (Vecchio or Stravecchio), or Manchego Viejo. Cherry jam can also be paired with robust, sharp cheeses like Parmigiano Reggiano and Pecorino Romano. For a more mild and creamy combination, opt for tomato jam with Mozzarella, Stracciatella, or Scamorza Bianca.

Those with a sweet tooth will enjoy plum jam with Mild Blue Cheese, such as Gorgonzola Dolce and Danablu, or smoked cheeses like Scamorza and Gouda. Citrus marmalades can be more challenging to pair. Try them with cheeses that are not too mellow, such as Gouda, Taleggio, or Emmental, to balance the zest and tang of the citrus.

When in doubt, remember that the key to a perfect cheese and jam pairing is finding the right balance between sweet and savory. The sharper the cheese, the sweeter the jam should be, and vice versa. So, get creative, experiment with different combinations, and discover your favourite pairings!

Frequently asked questions