Grilled Apricots With Goat Cheese Food

GOAT CHEESE TART WITH HONEYED APRICOTS

Steps:

• Make the crust: Pulse the flour, granulated sugar and salt in a food processor until combined. Add one-third of the butter and pulse until incorporated. Add the remaining butter and pulse until the mixture looks like coarse meal with bits of butter throughout, about 3 pulses. Add the vinegar and 3 tablespoons ice water; pulse 3 or 4 more times to combine. Squeeze the dough between your fingers; if it doesn't hold its shape, add 1 more tablespoon ice water and pulse again. Pat the dough into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate at least 1 hour. Position a rack in the lower third of the oven; preheat to 400 degrees F. Lightly butter a 9-inch tart pan with a removable bottom. Roll out the dough into a 10-inch circle on a floured surface. Ease the dough into the pan and press into the bottom and sides; trim the excess. Pierce the dough all over with a fork. Refrigerate until firm, about 30 minutes. Line the dough with aluminum foil and fill with dried beans. Bake until set, about 20 minutes. Remove the foil and beans; continue baking until golden, about 15 more minutes. Transfer to a rack and let cool completely.
• Make the filling: Beat the goat cheese and 1/3 cup granulated sugar in a large bowl with a mixer on medium speed until creamy, 3 to 4 minutes. Add the 4 egg yolks and beat until combined, about 1 minute. Add the cornstarch, vanilla and cognac and beat until smooth, about 1 minute, scraping down the bowl as needed. In a separate large bowl, beat the 3 egg whites until foamy. Add the salt and the remaining 1 tablespoon granulated sugar and beat until soft peaks form, 1 to 2 minutes. Using a rubber spatula, fold the beaten egg whites into the yolk mixture until combined, then pour into the prepared crust. Bake until the filling is set and golden on top, about 20 minutes. Transfer to a rack and let cool completely.
• Make the topping: Bring the granulated sugar, honey, cinnamon, cognac, vanilla and 1/3 cup water to a simmer in a small skillet over medium heat; cook until syrupy, 5 to 7 minutes. Add the apricots and cook 3 more minutes, then add the lemon juice. Let cool completely. Use a small knife to loosen the tart, then remove the springform ring. Dust with confectioners' sugar. Serve at room temperature with the apricot topping. Photograph by Johnny Miller

APRICOTS WITH HERBED GOAT CHEESE

Steps:

• Place goat cheese, minced basil, chives and milk in a mini food processor; process until smooth. Arrange apricot slices on a serving platter. Drop goat cheese mixture by teaspoonfuls over top. Sprinkle with salt and pepper; drizzle with balsamic glaze. Garnish with additional basil leaves. Serve immediately.

DRIED APRICOTS WITH GOAT CHEESE AND PISTACHIOS

Steps:

• Toss apricots with juice and let stand, tossing occasionally, 20 minutes.
• Chop all pistachios, preferably by hand, and season with salt. Drain apricots, cut sides up, on paper towels. Top each with a small chunk of cheese and sprinkle with nuts.

GRILLED APRICOTS WITH GOAT CHEESE AND BALSAMIC VINEGAR

Steps:

• Remove the goat cheese from its package, place in a bowl, and let sit at room temperature to soften.
• Cut the apricots in half along the seam that runs around the fruit; the two halves should come apart cleanly after you cut all the way around. Remove the pit. Drizzle the halves lightly with the olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
• Heat the grill. Place a few apricots on the grill, cut side down, and grill for just under a minute. As you grill, press down firmly with tongs for a couple of seconds to form grill marks. Turn and cook for 10 seconds on the second side. Repeat with the remaining apricots.
• Add a dash of water to the goat cheese and stir until it's pliable. Using two spoons, place a generous spoonful of goat cheese in the indentation of each apricot; scoop the cheese with the first one and use the second to push the cheese onto the fruit. Spoon a few drops of the balsamic vinegar over the apricots and season with more pepper. Serve immediately.