Apricot Balsamic Ice Cream Topping Food

EASY FRUIT COMPOTE

Steps:

• To prepare the fruit: If you're using fresh strawberries or peaches, cut them into thin slices. If you're using small berries like blueberries or raspberries, you can use them whole. If you're using frozen fruit, no need to defrost or slice them before using.
• In a medium saucepan, combine your fruit of choice, sweetener of choice and dash of salt. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally. This will take about 5 minutes for fresh fruit or 10 minutes for frozen fruit.
• Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium. If you're using chunky fruit or prefer a smoother consistency, mash the fruit with a potato masher or serving fork until it reaches your desired consistency. Continue simmering, stirring often, until the compote has condensed to about half of its original volume, about 5 minutes.
• Remove the compote from the heat. I'm generally satisfied with my compote at this point, but if the compote isn't sweet enough for your liking, you can stir in a more sweetener, to taste. If you'd like it to be more smooth, mash it some more.
• Let the compote cool for a few minutes before serving. Allow leftover compote to cool completely before covering and refrigerating for up to 10 days.

APRICOT SAUCE

Steps:

• Combine 2 cups water, sugar and dried apricots in heavy medium saucepan. Bring mixture to boil. Reduce heat to medium and simmer until apricots are tender, about 25 minutes. Remove from heat. Cool 15 minutes. Transfer apricot mixture to blender and puree, adding more water by tablespoonfuls if needed to form smooth sauce. Add vanilla extract and blend well. (Can be prepared 1 day ahead. Cover and refrigerate.)

APRICOT ICE CREAM

Steps:

• Wash and pit the apricots, chop them coarsely and simmer in three tablespoons of water until tender. Puree in a food processor and set aside.
• Beat together the eggs, yolks and sugar until the sugar has dissolved and the mixture is pale and lemon colored. (This can easily be done in a food processor.)
• Meanwhile, heat the cream and milk with the vanilla and coriander seeds. Remove from heat just before mixture reaches the boiling point.
• Pour mixture in a thin stream into the eggs and mix thoroughly. Pour into a double boiler and put over very hot water on a medium flame. (You can also use a thick saucepan placed on an iron trivet over a low flame.) Cook until thickened to the consistency of custard.
• Remove from heat and cool, whisking occasionally. Remove coriander bag. Strain mixture into a bowl and add the apricot puree. Chill thoroughly, then place the mixture in an ice cream maker and follow manufacturer's directions.

APRICOT BALSAMIC ICE CREAM TOPPING

Steps:

• Put all ingredients except xanthan gum in a nonreactive saucepan, cover and bring to a boil over medium high heat. Reduce heat, remove cover, and simmer for 15 minutes. Cool slightly, put in blender and add xanthan gum. Blend to smooth.

GRILLED MAPLE-BUTTER APRICOTS WITH VANILLA ICE CREAM

Steps:

• Prepare a grill for medium, direct heat, preferably with hardwood or hardwood charcoal.
• Cook maple syrup, butter, vanilla, and salt in a small skillet over low heat, whisking occasionally, until butter is melted.
• Grill apricots cut side down, brushing with syrup mixture as they cook, until lightly charred and tender, 8-10 minutes. Transfer to a platter cut side up, and brush with additional syrup mixture. Let apricots cool to room temperature, then serve with ice cream.

APRICOT SAUCE

Steps:

• In a sauceman, blend the cornstarch & sugar, then add the nectar.
• Heat, stirring constantly, until thickened.
• Remove from the heat & add the rest of the ingredients & mix well.
• Serve warm or chilled.

BALSAMIC CHERRY ICE CREAM TOPPING

Steps:

• Simmer together balsamic vinegar, apple juice, water and sugar until sugar is completely dissolved.
• Add lemon zest, cinnamon and cherries; simmer on low heat until cherries are plump.
• Wonderful drizzled over real vanilla ice cream.

CINNAMON APRICOT ICE CREAM TOPPING

Steps:

• Put all ingredients in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil over a medium heat, stirring the whole time. Turn off heat and allow topping to cool slightly before serving over ice cream.