All those autumn colors made me think of apricots, or specifically, the Finnish compote I make in the winter from dried fruits. But today I thought of only apricots. I'm not sure why, but the stone fruits I bought at markets this summer weren't quite as juicy and fragrant as past years. The weather, no doubt - we can always sigh and blame the weather.
This couldn't be easier - just simmer spices, lemons, and dried apricots in a little water and honey until plump and soft, cool, and whip up a little sweetened whipped cream or greek yogurt, dust with cinnamon, and voila. Breakfast, lunch, or dessert.
And that window above? My kitchen window right over the table.
Poached Apricots with cardamom, lemon verbena, cinnamon sticks, and lemon with whipped cinnamon cream
Makes 3 servings
1 1/2 cups of dried apricots
3 slices of fresh lemons, sliced into quarters
2 lemon verbena leaves or lemon balm leaves
2 sticks cinnamon
3 cardamom pods, left whole
2 T. good honey
Place all into a heavy saucepan and cover with water. Simmer until the apricots are plumped, then take off heat and cool. Taste the poaching liquid, and if it's too thin tasting, remove apricots and then simmer a bit more until a little syrupy. Discard leaves and pods and cinnamon sticks before serving, if you prefer .
Serve with gently sweetened whipped cream and dust with cinnamon.
Happy continuing Autumn!
4 comments:
Love your view..we have such similar climates Katrina:-)
Your apricots look like sweet pillows:-)
Nana! I forgot to comment yesterday - yes, those apricots are plump and pillowy, and I love eating them this time of year! And I looked at a map and found you are directly above me, more or less in a straight line. As the crow flies, I think we're five hours apart. by car, about 7.
Oh I thought I left you a comment a day or so ago but maybe I got interrupted. Anyway, the apricots look so good - not often that I find ripe, fresh apricots - definitely a very rare treat.
The view from your window is so beautiful - don't you just love fall and all of nature's colors. I'm afriadI would want to sit and enjoy that view all day!
Hi Barb!
I was disappointed in the fresh apricots this summer, but I know these dried apricots will always turn out juicy!
Love sitting and looking out the window, and I've spent hours lately, just before twilight, doing just that. I know all too soon I'll have curtains up, and snowdrifts out there, but right now, it's wonderful. Thanks for coming by!
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