Caramelized Apricots with Goat Cheese and Pistachios 26 July, 2011

Here's a thought.

Warm, juicy, sweet apricots.

Soft, creamy, rich cheese.

Crunchy, nutty, salty pistachios.

Sweet, sticky, oozy, honey.

If you choose to make this recipe, you WILL have a flavor explosion in your mouth. Seriously.

And if you choose to make this super easy recipe, it will only take you 15 minutes. Tops. 

Did I also mention it's super classy. That's right, class x 10.

No, not the type of class that requires long stem glasses, caviar, and grey poupon.

The type of class you get when you are surrounded by amazingly wonderful people, wearing a cute summer dress, and red lipstick, of course.

Ok. So next weekend you're going to a barbecue. 

You've been asked to bring the dessert. Or an appetizer. Or you've been asked to bring nothing, but you're totally going too.

First, you need to get some fresh apricots. Not too ripe, not too under-ripe. Make sure they smell like apricots. Sweet and juicy. Don't get over ripe apricots or they will fall apart when you broil them. True story.

Next, you need to cut them in half and place them on baking sheet.

Don't forget to turn on that oven. This is necessary.

Sprinkle the tops with brown sugar. White sugar is perfectly acceptable.

Place them in the oven and watch the magic happen.

The sugar will cook and caramelize on top, leaving a sticky sweet layer.

The sides of the apricot will hold their shape. They will look like tiny bowls ready to be filled with goodness.

Next, shell some pistachios.

This is the most challenging part. Resisting the temptation to eat all the pistachios before the apricots have broiled.

Now you have to chop them nuts. Go crazy. Get mad. Chop em like you mean it.

Mix the cheeses with a fork or a whisk. Get it fluffy. Plop in on top.

Sprinkle some nuts on top and finish it off with a drizzle of honey. Done.

So good. So sweet. So classy. So perfect.

[Print Recipe]

Caramelized Apricots with Goat Cheese and Pistachio Recipe (makes 10 halves)

Ingredients

5 apricots, halved {not too ripe, firm to touch}

5 tsp brown sugar

5 tbsp cream cheese, room temperature

3 tbsp soft goat cheese, room temperature

2 tbsp pistachios, chopped

1 tbsp honey

Directions 

1. Turn the oven to broil {500 F}. Move the oven rack to the top shelf.

2. Wash, then cut the apricots in half and place them on a baking sheet.

3. Sprinkle the tops with 1/2 tsp of brown sugar. and broil for 10 - 15 minutes. The brown sugar should caramelize and turn light brown.

4. In a small bowl, mix the cream cheese and goat cheese, with a fork or whisk.

5. When the apricots have cooked, remove them from the oven. Place a dollop of the cheese mixture on top of each apricot, followed by a tsp of chopped pistachios, and then drizzle with honey. Serve warm.