Cooking Dried Apricots Recipes

BACON-WRAPPED DRIED APRICOTS

Steps:

• Gently separate the two sides of each apricot and stuff with the almonds. Wrap each with a segment of the bacon. Arrange in a small nonstick skillet seam-side down. Cook on medium heat until the undersides are well-browned and crisp, 6 to 7 minutes.
• Turn the apricots over and continue to cook until browned on the bottom, 2 to 3 minutes more. Add the maple syrup, vinegar and a few grinds of pepper and cook, shaking the skillet to coat, until the liquid has reduced and the apricots are glossy and browned all over, about 1 minute more. Transfer to a small plate and sprinkle with the chives. Serve warm or at room temperature.

DRIED APRICOTS WITH GOAT CHEESE AND PISTACHIOS

Steps:

• Toss apricots with juice and let stand, tossing occasionally, 20 minutes.
• Chop all pistachios, preferably by hand, and season with salt. Drain apricots, cut sides up, on paper towels. Top each with a small chunk of cheese and sprinkle with nuts.

DRIED APRICOT JAM

Steps:

• Soak apricots in boiling water in a bowl until hydrated, about 30 minutes. Blend apricots, remaining water, and vanilla extract in a food processor, working in batches, until blended but still slightly chunky.
• Combine apricot mixture with pectin in a large pot over medium heat; cook until just boiling. Add sugar and lemon juice; boil until sugar has dissolved, 1 to 2 minutes.
• Sterilize jars and lids in boiling water for at least 5 minutes. Pack the apricot jam into the hot, sterilized jars, filling the jars to within 1/4-inch of the top. Run a knife or a thin spatula around the insides of the jars after they have been filled to remove any air bubbles. Wipe the rims of the jars with a moist paper towel to remove any food residue. Top with lids, and screw on rings.
• Place a rack in the bottom of a large stockpot and fill halfway with water. Bring to a boil, then carefully lower the jars into the pot using a holder. Leave a 2-inch space between the jars. Pour in more boiling water if necessary until the water level is at least 1 inch above the tops of the jars. Bring the water to a full boil, cover the pot, and process for 10 minutes.
• Remove jars from the stockpot and place onto a cloth-covered or wood surface, several inches apart, until cool, about 1 hour. Once cool, press the top of each lid with a finger, ensuring that the seal is tight (lid does not move up or down at all). Store in a cool, dark area.

DRIED APRICOT JAM

Steps:

• Put the apricots in a large pan, add 1.5 litres water, cover and leave overnight to soak.
• Next day, place a small plate in the fridge to chill. Put the apricots and water on the hob, then add the lemon juice and bring to the boil. Reduce the heat, then simmer for 30 mins or until the apricots are tender and starting to break up.
• Remove from the heat and add the sugar, stirring until it dissolves. Return to the heat and boil rapidly for 20 mins or until setting point is reached. To check this, remove the plate from the fridge, put a spoonful of jam onto the plate and pop it back in the fridge for a few mins - the jam should wrinkle when you push it with your finger. A sugar thermometer will also give you the setting point of jam, which is 105C.
• Carefully pour the jam into hot sterilised jars, top with a disc of wax paper or baking parchment, seal with a lid, then leave to cool and set. The jam will last for 6 months unopened in a cool, dark cupboard.

STEWED DRIED APRICOTS

Steps:

• Wash apricots quickly but thoroughly in cold water. Place them in a saucepan.
• Add water, cover, and allow to soak 2-3 hours.
• Bring to boil (using the same water), cover, and simmer very gently for 15 minutes or until tender.
• Just before removing from heat, stir in sugar.
• Serve warm or cold with cream.

COOKING DRIED APRICOTS

Steps:

• Boil water in a small saucepan.
• Add dried apricots.
• Bring to a boil, turn to a simmer for 10 minutes.
• Puree to desired consistency, using liquid to make smooth.
• Mash with a food mill to remove skin.
• When serving add water to desired consistency.

CHOCOLATE-DIPPED NOUGAT WITH DRIED APRICOTS

Steps:

• Spray a 9 by 5-inch loaf pan with vegetable cooking spray. Line the bottom and sides of the pan with waxed paper, allowing the paper to overhang by 2-inches on each side. Lightly spray the waxed paper inside the pan.
• In a 2-quart saucepan, combine the sugar, water, and honey over low heat. Stir until the sugar dissolves. Bring to a simmer, and cook until the syrup turns amber and registers 315 degrees F on a candy thermometer, about 15 to 20 minutes.
• While the syrup is cooking, in a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, beat the egg whites until they hold soft peaks, about 2 minutes.
• With the mixer running on low speed, slowly pour the syrup into the egg whites. Increase the speed to high and beat until the mixture is very thick, about 7 minutes. Beat in the vanilla extract. Fold in 1/2 of the apricots. Using a spatula sprayed with cooking spray, scrape the mixture into the prepared loaf pan. Sprinkle the remaining apricots on top. Fold the overhanging pieces of waxed paper onto the surface of the mixture. Refrigerate until firm, about 4 hours.
• Line a baking sheet with waxed paper. Remove the waxed paper from the nougat and discard. Using a knife sprayed with cooking spray, cut the nougat in half lengthwise. Cut each half into 8 pieces. Dip 1 end of the nougat into the melted chocolate and place on the prepared baking sheet. Refrigerate until firm, about 30 minutes.

CHICKEN, DRIED APRICOTS

Steps:

• Rub the chicken with cumin, paprika, salt and pepper. Place the garlic in the cavity. Set aside at room temperature for one hour.
• Simmer the apricots in water to cover for 30 minutes, or until plump.
• Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a large fireproof casserole, fry the onion in the butter and oil until soft. Add the chicken and apricots. Cover and bake in the oven for 45 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked, basting frequently. Remove lid for final 15 minutes of cooking so that the chicken breast browns. Correct seasoning and serve.

PORK LOIN WITH ONIONS AND DRIED APRICOTS

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350°F. In a large Dutch oven or other heavy pot, heat oil over medium-high. Pat dry pork, sprinkle with coriander, and season with salt and pepper. Cook until browned on all sides, about 10 minutes total. Transfer pork to a plate. Reduce heat to medium and add onions to pot. Cook, stirring, until onions are golden brown, about 3 minutes.
• Return pork to pot and add wine, broth, fennel seeds, orange zest, and apricots. Bring mixture to a boil. Cover and transfer to oven. Cook until an instant-read thermometer inserted in thickest part of pork registers 140°F, 25 to 30 minutes.
• Transfer pork to a cutting board, tent loosely with foil, and let rest 10 minutes. Bring cooking liquid to a boil over medium-high heat and cook until slightly thickened, about 3 minutes. Stir in vinegar.
• Thinly slice pork against the grain and serve with onions, apricots, and sauce.
• (Per Serving)
• Calories: 386
• Fat: 19g (7g Saturated Fat)
• Protein: 35g
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Fiber: 2g