Apricots with cheese stuffing
October 10, 2021 • Category: Eggs/Dairy/Cheese, Mezze/Appetizers
I first tasted these as a guest of one of the best cooks in Lebanon, Mrs. Mimi Arab, who told me she got the idea from her daughter, who is also the best gourmet cook I have ever had the privilege to meet there. Hers were stuffed with blue cheese and walnut, and I thought the idea was brilliant and so easy.
I used two types of cheeses (blue cheese and Mexican farmer’s cheese) and some Mexican crema to bind the mixture. However, you can switch to any cheeses, as long as it is not too hard or dry. Another combo that would work could be feta cheese with cream cheese or double crème, or Boursin and labneh. Anything works as long as it is spreadable (not too runny and not too thick). I did not use walnuts, but I may add them next time around. What is yummy is the sweet/salty combo of the apricots and the cheese. Nuts would add extra crunch but are not absolutely necessary.
Apricots with cheese stuffing
Joumana Accad Mediterranean, Middle Eastern October 10, 2021 Eggs/Dairy/Cheese, Mezze/Appetizers, labneh, cream, appetizer, blue cheese, dried apricots, sweet and sour,6-8 servings
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Ingredients
3 cups dried apricots
4 ounces blue cheese (can use feta cheese or Boursin)
4 ounces farmer's cheese (any fresh or crumbly mild cheese)
2 ounces mexican crema (can use labneh or cream cheese)
1 ounce of chopped pistachios or nuts to garnish (optional)
4 cups of water to boil apricots in (enough water to cover)
Instructions
- Place the apricots in a saucepan, add the water and bring to a simmer. Simmer gently for 15 minutes or until the apricots are plump and soft. Cool and drain them. Reserve the water to drink with a juice or a smoothie.
- In the bowl of a mixer, food processor or in a blender, combine the cheeses of your choice and cream or labneh, tasting to adjust the quantity of each cheese to your liking.
- Gently open each apricot and stuff it with the cheese spread, using a small spoon.
- Transfer the apricots to a serving plate one at a time and sprinkle with the chopped nuts if desired. Cover and keep in the fridge (will keep overnight or longer).
Recipe Notes
Any leftover cheese spread can be enjoyed on toast or as a stuffing for meatballs or some burgers or even for a savory cheese-stuffed rolls.
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Comments
5 Comments • Comments Feed
Doc says:
A fantastic choice might be Cambozola (Blue Label) it is made with a mixed culture so that it brings the blue flavor from Gorgonzola and the creaminess from Camembert. It is a delicious cheese and a great starter for those who think they don’t like blue cheese. I use it to fill a Focaccia di Recco.
On October 10, 2021 at 3:02 am
Joumana Accad says:
@Doc As always, your suggestion is right on the money! It would be PERFECT with Cambozola!
On October 17, 2021 at 2:13 am
Buck Field says:
Another simple, delightful recipe from Taste of Beirut…Looking forward to trying it!
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On October 11, 2021 at 5:53 pm
Joumana Accad says:
@Buck Field So glad it peaked your interest!
On October 17, 2021 at 2:13 am
Denise L Moreland says:
I am going to make these today except I will wrap the apricots with precooked bacon slices and add a pineapple chunk to the toothpick. THEN I will mix brown sugar, dash of cinnamon, cayenne pepper to taste, garlic powder to taste and chili powder. Crumble this mixture together and HEAVILY sprinkle all over the cocktail smokies. Bake 350 degrees uncovered until brown sugar has caramelized. YUM!
On August 8, 2024 at 6:01 pm