Sue and I spent some time last month coming up with several different apricot inspired recipes for a locally run cooking contest. We posted about each recipe individually but we thought it would be a good idea to share some of our apricot recipes in one big roundup.
The links to each recipe will be posted below each photo so you will be able to simply click to visit the original link.
The first photo, above, is of our Spicy Apricot Vinaigrette (CLICK HERE) that accompanied our apricot couscous salad. It is amazing on it's own though and would be great on a spinach or vegetable salad.
Okay, this is the only photo the we don't have a recipe posted for. It is Apricot Coconut Fruit Leather. We simply pureed some apricots with a little maple syrup, spread it in our dryer, and then sprinkled some coconut on top and let it dry. The flavor combo is really good. Fruit leather is one way to use up a lot of apricots that are going a little bit squishy.
These bad boys are Kenzie's Spicy Apricot Bacon Bites (CLICK HERE). Kenzie (my niece, Sue's daughter) won second prize in the savory category with this combination of jalapenos, cream cheese, apricots, and bacon. What's not to love?
The only apricot cookies I had ever eaten previously were cookies made with chopped up dried apricots. I decided to whip up a batch using apricot jam and pecans. My Apricot Pecan Pinwheels (CLICK HERE)work well with pretty much any other jam too.
This Apricot Cream Pie Dip With Pie Crust Dippers (CLICK HERE) was the first prize winner in the sweet category. I took our Key Lime Pie Dip and made some little changes to come up with this award winner. This is the perfect dish to take to a potluck, shower, or pretty much any get together.
Our Fresh Apricot Salsa (CLICK HERE)is from a little while back (as you can tell from the photo quality) but it is one of my all time favorite apricot recipes. You can eat it with chips or you can serve it on chicken or beef to spice up your dinner.
Apricots are ready during the hottest part of the year around here. And what goes better with melt-your-face-off weather than ice cream? Umm...nothing...that's what.
Sue makes her Apricot Jalapeno Jam (CLICK HERE) every year. The sweet but spicy combination is great as an appetizer with some cream cheese (or on its own) or as an accompaniment with almost any meat dish.
I love how impressive a trifle looks, don't you? Our Apricot Angel Food Trifle (CLICK HERE) is a heavenly combination of fresh apricots, whipped cream, cheesecake pudding, and angel food cake.
Drooling yet?
Once again Sue proves she is a super genius by creating this Apricot Couscous Salad with Spicy Apricot Vinaigrette (CLICK HERE). She may not have won with this entry but, had I been a judge, I would have given this one the prize! So good! I liked it even better the next day. I'm addicted to her vinaigrette.
Take a cinnamon bun, remove the cinnamon filling and replace it with sweet apricot jam and what have you got? Well....you'd have our Apricot Yeast Buns (CLICK HERE) . Perfect for breakfast, by the way.
Be warned...once you start you won't be able to stop!
I was searching the internet for something I had never made before to enter into the apricot contest. I came across a photo of a Russian Biskvit or sponge cake. It certainly caught my attention.
I adapted it a little and layered it with delicious apricot puree and an ambrosia whipped cream to create this Apricot Ambrosia Sponge Cake (CLICK HERE).It took second prize in the sweet category!
These cookie tarts are the perfect treat for this time of year. Well....for anytime of year really. You can easily adapt them for Christmas too! Check out the recipe here -- Apricot Cookie Tarts (CLICK HERE).
Our spicy Apri-HOT BBQ Sauce (CLICK HERE) was the big winner in the savory category. I was really happy thiswon first prize. I made an Asian infusion sauce with enough kick to keep your taste buds awake.
This was definitely one of the most popular recipes there.
Make these. You will not regret it. I promise.
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We hope you enjoyed our round up of apricot recipes. Sue and I have a lot of fun coming up with unusual and different recipes and look forward to next year's contest.
What is your favorite apricot recipe?
FAQs
There is so much you can do with apricots from desserts to savory dishes. For example, you can add some apricot puree to vanilla ice cream, or chopped apricot to your salad or grains such as apricot quinoa salad with a honey sauce with fresh herbs.
Should you peel apricots? ›
The perk of using an apricot is that most recipes don't require the smooth skin of the apricot to be peeled. However, should you need to peel them, simply blanch in boiling water for about 20 seconds and then plunge them into ice water. The skins should peel off easily.
What spices pair well with apricots? ›
The rice wine adds delicate sweetness to the apricots which are poached with star anise, cinnamon and cloves for an aromatic finish.
What does apricot pair well with? ›
Apricot: Pairs well with almonds, anise, apple, black pepper, caramel, cardamom, cinnamon, coconut, cranberry, ginger, hazelnut, honey, lemon, nutmeg, orange, peach, pineapple, plum, rosemary, Sauternes, strawberry, and vanilla.
Can you freeze fresh apricots? ›
Yes, you can freeze apricots. Start by cleaning, coring, and slicing the apricots into manageable chunks. Lay out the apricot chunks on a sheet pan and freeze until solid. Then, transfer the frozen apricot chunks to an airtight container, and return to the freezer.
Why do you soak apricots? ›
Rehydration: Dried apricots can be quite dry and chewy, and soaking them in water helps rehydrate the fruit, making it softer and more palatable. Digestibility: Soaking dried fruits can make them easier to digest. The soaking process can break down some of the fibers and make the nutrients more accessible.
Should fresh apricots be refrigerated? ›
Ripe apricots need to be stored in a refrigerator and will last up to a week. Apricots will not continue to ripen in the fridge, so make sure they are fully ripe before chilling. Overripe apricots won't last long, even if refrigerated. If your apricots are bruised, mushy, or otherwise damaged, don't worry!
How many apricots should you eat a day? ›
Apricots are a recommended health food
The recommended portion is 30gms (3 or 4 apricots). All dried fruit contains the same nutritional qualities as the original fresh fruit. In fact, weight for weight the dried form contains more of the antioxidants, minerals and fibre than the raw original.
Can you eat apricots raw? ›
Apricots can be eaten raw, cooked or preserved. To cut fruit, slice around its seam, twist it in half, and lift out the pit. Storing: Refrigerate ripe apricots, unwashed, in a paper or plastic bag for up to 2 days. Wash them before eating.
What enhances apricot flavor? ›
When it comes to flavor pairing, apricot provides a versatile canvas. Citrus fruits such as lemon and orange complement the apricot's sweetness while enhancing its tanginess, leading to a vibrant, refreshing flavor combination.
Rosemary Savory apricots, beans, bell peppers, cabbage, chicken, eggs, eggplant, fish, lentils, peas, pork, potatoes, soups, stews, tomatoes, winter squash bay, chives, garlic, lavender, mint, oregano, parsley, sage, thyme Fresh rosemary can be kept for a couple of days in the refrigerator.
What months are apricots in season? ›
Apricots are in season from May through July, although sales and prices of apricots remain fairly consistent throughout the year, giving you the flexibility to enjoy them whenever your taste buds crave a touch of sunshine.
What alcohol pairs with apricot? ›
Apricots pair well with a variety of fruits, including citrus fruits like lemon and orange, as well as pineapple. For spirits, you'll find classic co*cktails with gin, whiskey, and rum. It's also a surprisingly good companion for sloe gin and vodka, and you can even give homemade apricot liqueur a try.
What fruit tastes like apricot? ›
Apriums are a stone fruit similar to plums, apricots and peaches. With the exterior appearance of an apricot, apriums have an orange, juicy flesh and a slight fuzzy exterior. They taste like a sweet apricot that contains a hint of plum.
Is apricot good for stomach? ›
Better Digestion
Apricots offer plenty of good dietary fiber to help your digestive tract. Their total fiber content is about half soluble fiber and half insoluble fiber. Soluble fiber helps your digestive tract retain enough water and encourages good bacteria to thrive.
How do you preserve fresh apricots? ›
How to Freeze Apricots
- Prepare. Wash, dry, remove pits and cut into desired size. Place on sheet pan and leave in freezer until completely frozen.
- Transfer to a Freezer Zipper bag or FreezerWare™.
- Remove as much air as possible if using bags and seal. Place in the deepest part of the freezer.
Shelf Life: Fresh apricots are delicate, with a shelf life of 3-5 days in the refrigerator. However, proper storage techniques can extend their lifespan (more on that later!). Selecting Sweet Perfection: Look for firm, unblemished apricots with a vibrant orange color.
How long can you freeze fresh apricots? ›
When properly stored, frozen apricots last up to 12 months in the freezer. However, to enjoy optimal taste, I like to use them before 3-6 months have passed.
