Lavender Apricot Swirls Recipes

APRICOT LAVENDER JAM

Steps:

• Combine 1/2 cup sugar and lavender blossoms in the bowl of a food processor; pulse until the lavender blossoms are finely chopped and the sugar is fragrant.
• Measure apricots; you should have 5 cups prepared fruit. Chop finely and place into a plastic or glass bowl with a tight-fitting lid. Add lavender sugar and lemon; mix well. Cover and refrigerate overnight.
• Inspect 8 half-pint jars for cracks and rings for rust, discarding any defective ones. Immerse in simmering water until jam is ready. Wash new, unused lids and rings in warm soapy water.
• Mix 1/4 cup of the remaining sugar and pectin together in a bowl; add to apricots. Transfer fruit mixture to a large saucepan and mix well. Slowly bring to a full rolling boil that does not stop bubbling when stirred. Add the remaining sugar and stir well, scraping over the bottom of the pan, to fully dissolve the sugar. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
• Ladle apricot jam immediately into the prepared jars, filling to within 1/4 inch of the top. Run a clean knife or thin spatula around the insides of the jars to remove any air bubbles. Wipe rims with a moist paper towel to remove any spills. Top with lids and tightly screw on rings.
• Place a rack in the bottom of a large stockpot and fill halfway with water. Bring to a boil and lower jars 2 inches apart into the boiling water using a holder. Pour in more boiling water to cover jars by at least 1 inch. Bring to a rolling boil, cover, and process for 10 minutes.
• Remove the jars from the stockpot and place onto a cloth-covered or wood surface, several inches apart. Let rest for 24 hours without moving the jars. Gently press the center of each lid with a finger to ensure the lid does not move up or down. Remove the rings for storage and store in a cool, dark area.

APRICOT SWIRL CHEESECAKE

Steps:

• Grease the bottom and sides of a 10-in. springform pan; sprinkle with ground almonds and set aside. , In a small saucepan, cook apricots and water for 15 minutes over medium heat or until the water is nearly absorbed and apricots are tender, stirring occasionally. Stir in lemon zest; cool slightly. Transfer to a blender; cover and process until smooth and set aside., In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese, sugar and flour until smooth. Add eggs; beat on low speed just until combined. Beat in cream just until blended. Stir 1 cup into pureed apricots; set aside. , Pour remaining mixture into prepared pan. Drop apricot mixture by 1/2 teaspoonfuls over filling. Cut through filling with a knife to swirl apricot mixture. Place pan on a baking sheet. , Bake at 350° for 50-55 minutes or until center is almost set. Cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes. Carefully run a knife around edge of pan to loosen. Cool 1 hour longer., In a small saucepan, heat preserves. Press through a strainer (discard pulp). Spread over cheesecake. Refrigerate overnight. Garnish with whipped cream and sliced almonds. Refrigerate leftovers.

LAVENDER SPRITZER

Steps:

• Bring water and sugar to a boil in a large saucepan, stirring until sugar dissolves. Add lavender; remove from heat. Let stand for 30 minutes. Strain. Return to pan, and boil until reduced by half, about 5 minutes. Let cool completely. Fill each of 6 glasses with 3/4 cup sparkling water. Stir 1/4 cup syrup into each.