Kick off your weekend with a drink that makes use of what's in season right now: ripe, plush apricots. This muddled cocktail, inspired by the classic whiskey smash, calls for just four ingredients: apricots, whiskey, lemon, and agave. Dare we say it's, well, a smash? See how it's done, and then print out the recipe so you can make one for yourself.
This garden-to-glass cocktail pays homage to what I consider to be the most underrated Spring fruit of all time: the apricot. There's only a short window of time in May when these stone fruits are ripe, plump, and bursting with sweet juice; after that, they turn mealy and flavorless. Make the most of their short-lived season with a cocktail that highlights the fruit's floral, honeysuckle-like flavor. This tipple, which is inspired by the classic whiskey smash, calls for just apricots, agave, lemon, and bourbon. Got four ingredients and five minutes? Then make the apricot smash.
I recently hit up a trendy restaurant for brunch, where I found myself feasting on crusty bread topped with macerated raspberries and mascarpone cheese. The dish was chock-full of peak season sweetness, but I couldn't help but think that, at an overpriced $9, it'd be better off made at home.
So, with that inspiration in mind, I took to my market and picked up a bounty of end-of-season apricots for a mere 99 cents per pound. The stone fruits, along with some figs, went into the oven to be roasted until they were syrupy and falling-apart sweet. I served them in their juices over fresh ricotta on rustic levain.
As it turns out, roasted fruit-topped bread makes a delicious start to the day, as well as an after-school or post-workout snack. It's easily adaptable (I'm certain everything from plums to blackberries to grapes would work!) and affordable to make at home. Keep reading for the indispensable recipe.
This Summer, I'm all about apricots. Normally I eat more plums than apricots, but after tasting the best apricot of my life, I can't stop eating them! The soft, sweet fruit is ideal for enjoying out of hand, but it's also wonderful in dessert preparations like this easy tart. It's a no-bake tart with a pistachio-shortbread crust and honey custard. Although this tart is simple to make, the custard needs time to set, so get started on it a couple of hours before you make it. Ready for the recipe? Here it is.
Have you cooked, eaten, or seen something amazing recently? Then share it with us! I hosted an impromptu girls' night where I made baked goat cheese, and I uploaded a picture to the community so I could share it with you. Want to be featured on YumSugar? You should do the same!
We've got a group called Savory Sights, where you can upload mouthwatering images of foods and drinks you've made, consumed, or just salivated over. Start sharing your photos now! There are lots of ways to participate, so read on to learn more.
Right now, farmers markets everywhere are heralding the arrival of apricot season, which comes just as warm-weather festivities start to light up, but before the sun and temperatures become unrelenting. At the height of their heyday, these fuzzy orange stone fruits are juicy with an intoxicating floral aroma that simply can't be replicated. But keep in mind that they're only around from May to July. How to shop for and cook with them, when you keep reading.
When hosting a holiday cocktail party, be it a tree-trimming or an ugly sweater celebration, don't forget about dessert. Your guests are going to want something sweet to nibble on. Select a treat that's special but can be made in advance and supplement with store bought truffles or chocolate gelt.
For Hanukkah, I recommend this orange cake with apricot glaze. It takes advantage of the flavors of fresh citrus, which is in season. The combination of whipped egg whites and olive oil results in a super moist and fluffy cake.
The fact that there's no frosting will make it easy to eat with just your fingers. It's also a great hostess gift, so be sure to check out the recipe after the break.
I'm never happier than when I discover a good sale at the meat counter, and on a really generous week, my grocer offers two-for-one deals on a healthy and quick-cooking cut, pork tenderloin. I'll buy two, but diversify my plate by making a hearty pork, apple, and squash meal one night, then digging in to a completely different pork meal the following evening. Tonight, utilize leftover pork by oven-roasting it with a light seasoning, all the while quick-sautéing brussels sprouts, almonds, and apricots until wilted and caramelized. If you prefer extra flavor, dry-rub the pork spices and herbs like cumin, paprika, dried sage, and oregano. Get the recipe now.
Noyau (pronounced "nwayoh," and spelled noyaux when plural) refers to the kernel inside of a cherry or apricot stone.
To become edible, seed kernels must first be roasted in their pits to destroy toxic levels of prussic acid. Then, they're smashed open with a hammer and used in cooking to add a distinct bitter cherry-almond flavor to dishes.
Noyaux can be employed to enhance ice cream, custard, and amaretti cookies; create the liqueur creme de noyaux; or give almond extract its signature flavor. Have you ever heard of noyaux?
Source: Flickr User king_david_uk
While some people host a crazy weekend in Vegas and others opt for an activity-based bachelorette party featuring belly dancing, my friend Melissa is doing a low-key weekend in Calistoga to say goodbye to her singledom. Her maid of honor has rented a beautiful house with a grill and garden, and she's planned a weekend of sunbathing and wine tasting.
On Friday night when we arrive, instead of going out for a night on the town, we'll spend the evening by the pool enjoying a leisurely and luxurious dinner. Naturally, I'm in charge of the cooking! To start, I'll put together a cheese platter with homemade hummus and pita chips on the side.
When we sit down to dinner, I'll serve grilled shrimp with roasted garlic-herb sauce, orzo and zucchini salad, and grilled apricots with arugula and goat cheese. These recipes make a wonderful Summer menu perfect for any outdoor occasion, so take a look at them now.
