Apricot Sauce
Apricot sauce is a versatile condiment that can be used in both sweet and savory dishes. It pairs well with meats, desserts, and even as a topping for pancakes or ice cream.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups fresh apricots, pitted and chopped
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (adjust according to sweetness preference)
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional)
Instructions:
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Prepare the Apricots:
- Wash, pit, and chop the fresh apricots. You can leave the skin on or peel them, depending on your preference.
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Cook the Apricots:
- In a saucepan, combine the chopped apricots, granulated sugar, water, lemon juice, and lemon zest.
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Simmer:
- Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a boil. Once it boils, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer.
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Cook Until Tender:
- Simmer the apricots until they are tender and the sauce thickens. This may take about 15-20 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
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Blend (Optional):
- If you prefer a smoother sauce, you can use an immersion blender or transfer the mixture to a regular blender and blend until you reach the desired consistency.
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Adjust Sweetness:
- Taste the sauce and adjust the sweetness by adding more sugar if needed. Keep in mind that the sauce will thicken a bit as it cools.
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Cool:
- Allow the apricot sauce to cool to room temperature.
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Store:
- Transfer the cooled sauce to a jar or airtight container for storage.
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Refrigerate:
- Refrigerate the apricot sauce. It can be stored for about a week in the refrigerator.
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Serve:
- Use the apricot sauce as a topping for grilled meats, ice cream, pancakes, yogurt, or as a glaze for poultry or pork.
Tips:
- For a richer flavor in the sweet sauce, use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar.
- You can substitute other nuts for walnuts or pecans in either recipe.
- Add a handful of dried cranberries or raisins to the sweet sauce for extra sweetness and texture.
- You can substitute other fruits like peaches or nectarines for apricots in either recipe.
- Store leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Adjust the sugar levels based on your preference and the sweetness of the apricots.
This apricot sauce is a delightful addition to both sweet and savory dishes.