In July last year with the launch of the demo KITCHEN, my wingwoman Elsebé Cronjé suggested that we make these beauties. She got the recipe via her chef friend Ruan, who saw it on the internet somewhere. When I started searching for the origin, it seemed like there were many similar recipes around with no specific credit as to who originally came up with the idea.
Needless to say, these soft apricots with goats cheese, basil, almonds & honey were such a hit that they are now one of our favourite canapés for guests. So very simple to make, but with an intriguing combination of sweet & savoury flavour tones and beautiful textures of soft, crunchy and creamy.
Be sure to buy soft Turkish dried apricots (they are imported by the team of Cecilia’s Farm and also available from Woolworths) and not the hard ones. This is a total must for festive entertaining, anytime of the year.
Ingredients:
- 100 g plain goats cheese (log of chevin)
- 250 g plain cream cheese
- a large handful of fresh basil leaves (about 20g)
- 250 g soft dried Turkish apricots
- 100 g raw almonds, lightly toasted in a dry pan
- 1/4 honey
Method:
- In a medium bowl, mix the goats cheese and cream cheese with a wooden spoon or electric beaters until well combined.
- Wash and dry the basil leaves, then chop finely and add to the cheese. Mix through.
- With a small spatula or knife, smear each dried apricot with a good dollop of the cheese.
- Roughly chop the almonds and scatter over the apricot canapes.
- Liberally drizzle with honey and serve.
Credits:
Text: Ilse van der Merwe
Food preparation & assistant: Elsebé Cronjé
Photography : Tasha Seccombe
Venue for shoot: the demo KITCHEN