Apricot Coins Food

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.

BALSAMIC-GLAZED APRICOTS WITH RICOTTA CLOUDS

Steps:

• In a medium skillet over medium heat, melt the butter and cook until the foam subsides. Place the apricots cut side down in the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until apricots are slightly tender and warmed through, 5 to 6 minutes. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar and the honey. When apricots are ready, and add honey-balsamic mixture to the skillet. Increase the heat to medium-high and cook, stirring frequently, until the apricots have cooked through and the glaze is bubbling, uniformly coating the apricots. To serve, place a scoop of ricotta on each serving plate, top with 2 apricot halves and drizzle with the honey-balsamic glaze from the skillet.

APRICOT COINS

Steps:

• In the bowl of a stand mixer, place the cheese and milk.
• Using the paddle attachment, whip the cheese for at least 5 minutes, or until it is very smooth and creamy.
• If the cheese is still crumbly, add more milk 1/2 teaspoon at a time.
• To assemble, spread about 1/8 teaspoon of cheese on apricot. (If using California apricots, put the goat cheese on the shiny side.).
• Drizzle a little honey over the cheese and top with a sprinkling of thyme.
• Place a walnut half on top, arrange apricots on a platter and serve.

APRICOTS WITH HONEY-GINGER RICOTTA AND PISTACHIO NUTS

Steps:

• Slice the apricots in half, carefully remove the pits, and set aside. Combine the ricotta cheese with the ginger and 2 teaspoons of the honey in a mixing bowl.
• Place the apricot halves on a serving platter and top each with a spoonful of the honey-ginger-ricotta mixture. Sprinkle the pistachios on top, and drizzle with the remaining teaspoon honey. Serve immediately.

CANDIED WALNUTS

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
• In a medium sized bowl, mix together the sugar, cayenne and salt.
• Bring a small saucepan of water to boil. Add the walnuts and blanch them for 3 minutes. Drain well and then immediately roll the walnuts in the sugar mixture until thoroughly coated. The sugar will melt slightly. Transfer the walnuts to a baking sheet or pan and bake, stirring occasionally, until they are a deep golden brown, about 10 minutes. Watch carefully because the sugar can burn easily. Let cool completely before serving.