Dried Fruits In Cognac Food

WINTER FRUIT COMPOTE WITH COGNAC

Steps:

• Put the figs, kumquats, prunes, sugar, Cognac and lemon zest in a saucepan with 2 cups/500 ml water and bring to a boil. Cook until the fruits are plump and the sauce syrupy. Turn off the heat and let the fruit macerate for 30 minutes. Pour into a serving dish (a cut glass bowl looks lovely) and let cool. Serve with creme fraiche and toasted almonds, or with a big spoonful of vanilla ice cream.

COGNAC-GLAZED DRIED APRICOTS WITH CINNAMON-SPICED YOGURT

Steps:

• For yogurt:
• Stir yogurt and cinnamon in medium bowl to blend. Cover and chill at least 1 hour and up to 1 day.
• For apricots:
• Cook orange peel in boiling water 5 minutes. Drain and reserve peel.
• Melt butter in medium skillet over medium heat. Whisk in sugar. Add apricots; toss. sauté until beginning to brown in spots, about 8 minutes. Add 1 cup orange juice and reserved orange peel. Simmer uncovered until juice is reduced to thick syrup and apricots are tender, stirring occasionally, about 8 minutes. DO AHEAD Can be made 1 day ahead. Cover; chill. Bring to simmer before continuing.
• Add Cognac to simmering apricots; ignite with long match. Let flames subside, shaking skillet occasionally. Mix in remaining 2 tablespoons orange juice and simmer 1 minute, stirring.
• Spoon chilled yogurt into 6 dessert dishes. Spoon warm apricots and syrup over. Sprinkle with pistachios and mint.

JAMES BEARD'S COMPOTE OF DRIED FRUITS

Steps:

• Put the fruits in a four-quart saucepan, cover with water and bring to boil. Add lemon slices and sugar, reduce heat and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes or until puffed. Add the bourbon, cognac or rum.
• Turn off heat and let the fruit remian in the pan for a few minutes to absorb the flavor of the spirit.
• Transfer to a serving dish and allow to cool slightly. Serve with desired type of cream.