Cheese And Dried Apricots: A Perfect Pairing Adventure

Dried apricots and cheese is a classic combination that makes for a great appetizer. Dried apricots are often paired with blue cheese, spreadable or mixed with other cheeses like goat cheese or cream cheese, and topped with nuts like walnuts or pecans. This combination of sweet, tangy, and salty flavors can be enhanced by adding honey, rosemary, or parsley. Dried apricots can also be stuffed with cheese, such as Gruyere or Swiss cheese, to create a simple, elegant, and tasty treat.

Dried apricots and blue cheese canapes with walnuts

To make these canapes, you will need dried apricots, spreadable blue cheese, walnut halves or pieces, honey, and fresh rosemary for garnish. Begin by placing the apricots on a serving platter. Spread the blue cheese onto each apricot, and then top with a walnut and a drizzle of honey. If you prefer a stronger flavour, you can also add some crumbled rosemary.

For a smoother consistency, you can mix equal parts room-temperature cream cheese and blue cheese in a food processor or blender. Alternatively, you can use goat cheese as a spread. If you are preparing this dish in advance, wait until you are ready to serve to add the honey, bringing the canapes to room temperature before serving.

These dried apricot and blue cheese canapes with walnuts are a delightful and elegant addition to any holiday party or get-together.

Cheese-stuffed dried apricots

Ingredients

• Dried apricots
• Cheese (Gruyere, Swiss, blue, or goat's cheese)
• Honey (optional)
• Walnuts or pecans (optional)
• Parsley (optional)

Method

• Cut each apricot in half.
• Cut the cheese into small cubes or spread on each apricot.
• If using nuts, press a nut onto the cheese.
• If using honey, drizzle a small amount over the apricots or cheese.
• If using parsley, press the cheese-side of the apricots into the minced parsley.
• Arrange on a plate and serve.

Tips

• Take the apricots out of the fridge about an hour before serving to allow the cheese to infuse the apricots with flavour and for the apricots to soften.
• If using goat's cheese, drizzle a little honey over the platter.
• If using ricotta, drizzle a little truffle-infused honey over the platter for a sophisticated flavour.

Dried apricots with goat cheese and pistachios

To make this delicious treat, start by purchasing moist and beautiful-looking dried apricots. Avoid those sold in opaque packaging, as you want to be able to see the quality of the fruit. If you opt for Turkish apricots, keep in mind that they usually need to be halved horizontally. For this recipe, you will need 150 dried apricot halves (2 pounds).

The next step is to toss the apricots with fresh orange juice (1 1/2 cups) and let them soak for about 20 minutes, tossing them occasionally. This step ensures that the apricots soften and absorb the citrus flavour.

While the apricots are soaking, prepare the remaining ingredients. You will need 1 1/2 cups of shelled pistachios, with half of them toasted for a varied texture and flavour. Chop the pistachios, preferably by hand, and season them with salt.

Now, it's time to assemble! Drain the apricots on paper towels, ensuring the cut sides are facing up. Then, top each apricot half with a small chunk of soft mild goat cheese (about 1 pound). Finally, sprinkle the pistachios over the cheese-topped apricots.

You can make this appetiser ahead of time and chill them, covered, in the refrigerator. However, they will take up a significant amount of space, and you cannot stack them.

Enjoy the sweet and salty flavours of this delightful treat, perfect for any occasion!

Dried apricot and lamb sosaties

Ingredients

• Lamb sosaties
• Dried apricots
• Blue cheese
• Walnuts
• Honey
• Rosemary

Method

• Place the lamb sosaties on the barbecue or under the grill.
• While the meat is cooking, prepare the apricots by spreading blue cheese on each one and topping with a walnut and a sprig of rosemary.
• Drizzle the apricots with honey.
• Once the meat is cooked, leave it to rest for a few minutes, then serve with the apricots on the side.

Tips

• If you can't find spreadable blue cheese, you can mix equal parts room-temperature cream cheese and blue cheese in a food processor or blender until smooth. Alternatively, use goat cheese.
• You can prepare the apricots a few hours in advance or the day before. Store in the refrigerator and bring to room temperature before serving.
• For a vegetarian option, leave out the lamb sosaties and serve the apricots as a starter or canapé.

Dried apricots with gorgonzola or cambozola

For a simple, tasty, and colourful appetizer, you can stuff dried apricots with gorgonzola or cambozola. Cut the apricots in half and stuff them with small cubes of either cheese. You can also add a drizzle of honey to the apricots to enhance the sweetness. For a more sophisticated flavour, try drizzling truffle-infused honey over the platter. This appetizer can be made in advance and stored in the fridge, but be sure to take it out about an hour before serving to allow the cheese to infuse the apricots and to take the chill off.

If you want to get a little more creative, you can make an apricot gorgonzola cheese spread. This spread typically includes gorgonzola, cream cheese, apricot preserves, bacon, and green onion, all mixed together and served with a fresh baguette or crackers. This combination provides a symphony of sweet and tangy flavours that your guests will love. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper for some extra kick.

If you're looking for a wine to pair with your dried apricots and gorgonzola or cambozola, a semi-dry Riesling or a sweet red or white wine would be excellent choices.

Frequently asked questions