Apricot Creme

Apricot Creme Recipe from USA - Delicious Dessert with Dried Apricots

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 1 hour | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Apricot Creme is a delightful and elegant dessert that combines the sweet and tangy flavor of apricots with the creamy texture of whipped cream and rice pudding. This recipe is perfect for those who appreciate a dessert that's not too sweet but is rich in flavor and texture. Whether you're looking for a sophisticated finish to a dinner party or a comforting treat for a family gathering, Apricot Creme is sure to impress.

History

The origins of Apricot Creme can be traced back to European cuisine, where fruit-based desserts have long been a staple. Apricots, in particular, have been used in various culinary applications due to their sweet yet slightly tart flavor. This recipe is a modern take on traditional apricot desserts, incorporating ingredients like rice and gelatin to create a unique texture and presentation.

Ingredients

1.5 cups dried apricots, diced and cooked
0.67 cups sugar, divided
0.25 cups apricot brandy
2 cups cooked rice
2 cups milk, divided
1 tbsp unflavored gelatin
0.25 cups water
2 eggs, slightly beaten
0.13 tsp salt
1 cup heavy cream, whipped
0.5 cups chopped nuts (optional)

How to prepare

Combine apricots, 0.33 cup of sugar, and brandy. Marinate for about 1 hour.
Cook rice, 1 and 0.5 cups of milk, and 0.33 cup of sugar until thick and creamy.
Soften gelatin in water and stir into hot rice.
Blend eggs with remaining 0.5 cup of milk and add salt.
Stir the egg mixture into the rice and cook over low heat, stirring, for 2 to 3 minutes. Allow to cool.
Fold in whipped cream, apricots, and marinade. Spoon into dessert dishes and top with nuts.

Variations

For a lighter version, substitute the heavy cream with a whipped coconut cream and use a sugar substitute in place of regular sugar. You can also experiment with different dried fruits, such as peaches or plums, for a new flavor profile.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To ensure the best results, use high-quality dried apricots for a more intense flavor. Soaking the apricots in apricot brandy not only softens them but also infuses them with a rich, fruity aroma. When cooking the rice, stir constantly to prevent sticking and achieve a creamy consistency. Lastly, be sure to cool the rice mixture slightly before folding in the whipped cream to prevent it from melting.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Apricot Creme chilled, garnished with additional whipped cream and a sprinkle of chopped nuts or fresh apricot slices. It pairs beautifully with a light, sparkling dessert wine or a cup of strong coffee.

Cooking Techniques

The key techniques in this recipe include marinating the apricots, cooking the rice to a creamy consistency, and properly folding in the whipped cream to maintain a light and airy texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

If apricot brandy is not available, you can use orange liqueur or simply apricot juice as a non-alcoholic option. Agar-agar can be used in place of gelatin for a vegetarian version of the dessert.

Make Ahead Tips

Apricot Creme can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator until ready to serve. This allows the flavors to meld together and the dessert to set properly.

Presentation Ideas

For an elegant presentation, serve Apricot Creme in individual glass dessert cups. Garnish with a mint leaf and a thin slice of apricot for a touch of color and freshness.

Pairing Recommendations

This dessert pairs well with a sweet Riesling or a sparkling Moscato. For a non-alcoholic option, serve with a floral herbal tea, such as chamomile or jasmine.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Apricot Creme should be stored in the refrigerator and consumed within 2-3 days. It does not require reheating but should be served chilled for the best texture and flavor.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

A single serving of Apricot Creme contains approximately 300 calories. This makes it a relatively indulgent dessert option, perfect for special occasions or as a treat.

Carbohydrates

A serving of Apricot Creme contains approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates. The majority of these carbs come from the sugar and dried apricots, providing a quick source of energy. The rice also contributes to the carbohydrate content, making this dessert satisfying and filling.

Fats

This dessert contains about 15 grams of fat per serving, primarily from the heavy cream and nuts. While it is relatively high in fat, these are mostly healthy fats that contribute to the creamy texture and rich flavor of the dish.

Proteins

Each serving of Apricot Creme provides around 5 grams of protein, coming from the eggs and milk. While not a high-protein dish, it offers enough protein to contribute to a balanced diet.

Vitamins and minerals

Apricot Creme is a good source of vitamins A and C, thanks to the apricots. It also contains calcium and a small amount of iron from the milk and eggs. These nutrients support bone health and the immune system.

Alergens

This recipe contains potential allergens such as dairy (milk, heavy cream), eggs, and nuts. Those with allergies to these ingredients should exercise caution or seek alternative substitutions.

Summary

Overall, Apricot Creme is a moderately indulgent dessert that offers a good balance of flavors and textures. While it is relatively high in sugars and fats, it also provides beneficial nutrients and can be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet.

Summary

Apricot Creme is a luxurious and flavorful dessert that combines the sweetness of apricots with the creaminess of whipped cream and rice pudding. With its rich history and versatile serving options, it's a perfect choice for any occasion. By following the tips and variations provided, you can customize the recipe to suit your taste and dietary needs, making it a beloved addition to your dessert repertoire.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the sense of anticipation I felt when I first discovered this recipe for Apricot Creme. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in a small village in the countryside. My mother had invited a friend over for tea one afternoon, and she brought with her a delicious dessert that she called Apricot Creme.

As soon as I took my first bite, I was hooked. The creamy texture combined with the sweet and tangy apricot flavor was like nothing I had ever tasted before. I begged my mother's friend for the recipe, but she just smiled and told me that it was a family secret passed down through generations.

Determined to learn how to make Apricot Creme, I set out on a mission to discover the recipe for myself. I spent hours in the kitchen experimenting with different ingredients and techniques, trying to recreate the magical dessert that had captured my heart.

One day, while I was visiting the local market, I overheard a group of women chatting about their favorite recipes. I listened intently as one of them mentioned a secret ingredient that she swore made her Apricot Creme the best in the village. Intrigued, I approached her and asked if she would be willing to share her recipe with me.

To my surprise, the woman agreed and invited me to her home the following day to learn how to make Apricot Creme. I eagerly accepted her invitation, eager to finally uncover the secrets of this delectable dessert.

When I arrived at the woman's home, she greeted me warmly and led me into her kitchen. She began to show me how to prepare the apricots, explaining that they needed to be cooked slowly over low heat to bring out their natural sweetness.

As we worked together, she shared stories of how she had learned the recipe from her own grandmother, who had learned it from her mother before her. The tradition of making Apricot Creme had been passed down through the generations, with each woman adding her own twist to the recipe.

I listened intently, absorbing every detail of the process. I watched as the woman whipped up the cream until it was light and fluffy, then carefully folded in the cooked apricots to create a smooth and creamy mixture.

Finally, the Apricot Creme was ready. The woman scooped some into a small bowl and handed it to me, a smile on her face. I took a hesitant bite, savoring the familiar flavors that I had come to love so much.

It was perfect. The creamy texture, the sweet apricot flavor, it was everything I had hoped for and more. I thanked the woman profusely for sharing her recipe with me, promising to keep it a secret just as she had.

From that day on, Apricot Creme became a staple in my kitchen. I made it for every special occasion, sharing the recipe with my own daughter and passing down the tradition to the next generation.

Now, as I sit here reminiscing about that fateful day when I first learned how to make Apricot Creme, I am filled with gratitude for the kind woman who took me under her wing and shared her family recipe with me. Cooking has always been a passion of mine, but this recipe holds a special place in my heart, a reminder of the power of tradition and the joy of sharing food with those we love.