Just Apricot Whip Food

EASY APRICOT CREAM DESSERT

Steps:

• Place the apricots in a blender and puree.
• In a small bowl, soften the gelatin in the cold water.
• In a medium saucepan, combine apricot puree, gelatin mixture, lemon juice, and sugar. Heat over low heat until gelatin and sugar are dissolved.
• Refrigerate mixture for about 30 minutes.
• Fold in the whipped cream. Pour the mixture into a 4-cup mold or bowl and refrigerate until firm.

APRICOT JAM

Steps:

• Toss the apricots, sugar, lemon zest and juice and vanilla in a large saucepan to combine, then mash slightly to release some of the apricot juice. Set aside for 10 minutes to allow the apricots to macerate and the sugar to dissolve. Meanwhile, place a small plate in the freezer to chill; this will be used to test the doneness of the jam.
• Place the saucepan over medium-high heat. (See Cook's Note for suggested add-in.) Bring the mixture to a boil and then reduce the heat to medium, stirring frequently. Continue to cook until the jam becomes thick and syrupy, about 35 minutes. To test doneness, place a small amount of the jam onto the chilled plate and freeze for 2 minutes. Drag your finger or a spoon through the jam. If it holds its shape and thickness, the jam is done; remove from the heat. If it's runny, continue to cook and test again in 5-minute increments. Once the jam has reached the right consistency, transfer to jars and cool completely before storing, tightly covered. The jam will keep in the refrigerator for up to 6 months.

BROILED APRICOTS WITH GINGER WHIPPED CREAM

Steps:

• Heat broiler to high, with rack set 4 inches from heat. Squeeze juice from grated ginger into a large bowl (you should get about 1 teaspoon juice); discard pulp. Add cream and granulated sugar. Whip until soft peaks form; refrigerate.
• Place apricots, cut side up, on a rimmed baking sheet. Dividing evenly, top with brown sugar, butter, and cardamom. Broil until apricots just begin to char, 2 to 5 minutes. Top apricots with whipped cream, and serve immediately.

APRICOT WHIP

Steps:

• Put apricots and water in a medium pan. Cover and bring to a boil.
• Reduce heat to low; cook until very tender (45 minutes to one hour).
• Using a slotted spoon, transfer to baking sheet to cool slightly.
• Puree apricots and salt (if you are using it) in a food processor until completely smooth and the consistency of thick jam. Let cool.
• Refrigerate airtight for up to 1 day.

JUST APRICOT WHIP!

Steps:

• Drain apricots reserving 1/4 cup syrup; remove pits.
• Blend apricots in blender.
• Combine apricots, marshmallows, and reserved syrup in saucepan.
• Cook over medium heat stirring till marshmallows are dissolved. Cool.
• Fold in whipped cream. Chill.
• This is rich so a little goes a long way.
• This is nice served with simple chocolate cookies!

DRIED APRICOT JAM

Steps:

• Soak apricots in boiling water in a bowl until hydrated, about 30 minutes. Blend apricots, remaining water, and vanilla extract in a food processor, working in batches, until blended but still slightly chunky.
• Combine apricot mixture with pectin in a large pot over medium heat; cook until just boiling. Add sugar and lemon juice; boil until sugar has dissolved, 1 to 2 minutes.
• Sterilize jars and lids in boiling water for at least 5 minutes. Pack the apricot jam into the hot, sterilized jars, filling the jars to within 1/4-inch of the top. Run a knife or a thin spatula around the insides of the jars after they have been filled to remove any air bubbles. Wipe the rims of the jars with a moist paper towel to remove any food residue. Top with lids, and screw on rings.
• Place a rack in the bottom of a large stockpot and fill halfway with water. Bring to a boil, then carefully lower the jars into the pot using a holder. Leave a 2-inch space between the jars. Pour in more boiling water if necessary until the water level is at least 1 inch above the tops of the jars. Bring the water to a full boil, cover the pot, and process for 10 minutes.
• Remove jars from the stockpot and place onto a cloth-covered or wood surface, several inches apart, until cool, about 1 hour. Once cool, press the top of each lid with a finger, ensuring that the seal is tight (lid does not move up or down at all). Store in a cool, dark area.

APRICOT WHIP WITH BERRIES

Steps:

• Cook first 3 ingredients covered in heavy small saucepan over medium heat until apricots are tender, about 20 minutes. Transfer contents of pan to processor. Add vanilla and puree, scraping down sides of bowl occasionally. Transfer puree to large bowl and cool. (Can be made 2 days ahead. Cover and chill. Bring to room temperature before continuing.)
• Position rack in center of oven and preheat to 350°F. Spray 9x9x2-inch pan with vegetable oil spray. Using electric mixer, beat egg whites with pinch of salt in large bowl until soft peaks form. Gradually add sugar and continue beating until stiff but not dry. Fold whites into puree in 2 additions. Spoon apricot mixture into prepared pan, smoothing top. Place pan on baking sheet with sides. Pour enough water into baking sheet to measure 1/2 inch. Set sheet in oven and bake until apricot mixture is firm in center and golden brown, covering very loosely with foil if browning too quickly, about 40 minutes. Let stand at least 15 minutes and up to 3 hours.
• Spoon apricot whip into deep bowls. Serve, passing berries separately.

APRICOT JAM

Steps:

• Mix apricots and lemon juice in a large pot; add sugar. Slowly bring to a boil, stirring until sugar dissolves. Cook and stir until apricot mixture thickens, about 25 minutes. Remove from heat and skim foam if necessary.
• Meanwhile, prepare jars, lids, and rings by cleaning and sterilizing in dishwasher or boiling water bath. Leave lids in simmering water until ready to seal jars.
• Ladle hot jam into hot sterilized jars, leaving about 1/4 inch of space on top. Run a knife or a thin spatula around the insides of the jars after they have been filled to remove any air bubbles. Wipe the rims of the jars with a moist paper towel to remove any food residue. Top with lids and screw on rings.
• Place a rack in the bottom of a large stockpot and fill halfway with water. Bring to a boil, then carefully lower the jars into the pot using a holder. Leave a 2-inch space between the jars. Pour in more boiling water if necessary until the water level is at least 1 inch above the tops of the jars. Bring the water to a full boil, cover the pot, and process for 15 minutes.
• Remove the jars from the stockpot and place onto a cloth-covered or wood surface, several inches apart, until cool. Once cool, press the top of each lid with a finger, ensuring that the seal is tight (lid does not move up or down at all). Store in a cool, dark area.