Warm Apricots with Raspberries and Lavender

Warm Apricots with Raspberries and Lavender Recipe - Vegetarian Food from France

Region / culture: France | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 15 minutes | Servings: 4 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Warm Apricots with Raspberries and Lavender is a delightful and aromatic dessert that is perfect for a summer evening. The combination of sweet apricots, juicy raspberries, and fragrant lavender creates a unique and delicious flavor profile that is sure to impress your guests.

History

This recipe is inspired by the traditional French dessert known as "abricots au four," which translates to baked apricots. The addition of raspberries and lavender adds a modern twist to this classic dish, creating a refreshing and elegant dessert that is perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

12 to 16 ripe apricots, halved
1 pt (473 ml) or more raspberries or wild strawberries
1 or 2 stems of fresh lavender, flowers separated
1 tsp of lavender, wildflower honey or granulated sugar
0.5 tsp of granulated sugar
A few drops of fresh lemon juice

How to prepare

1. Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C). Lightly butter a baking dish that is large enough to accommodate the fruit in a single layer.
2. Lay the apricots in a single layer in the prepared dish. Sprinkle lavender blossoms over the apricots and drizzle honey over the fruit. Sprinkle strawberries over the fruit and lightly coat them with sugar. Carefully squeeze lemon juice over the fruit.
3. Bake the dish just long enough to warm the fruit and bring out its aromas, which should take about 15 minutes. Remove from the oven and serve the warm fruit either plain or with a little fresh cream.

Variations

You can substitute the raspberries with blackberries or blueberries for a different flavor profile.
Add a sprinkle of chopped nuts, such as almonds or pistachios, for added texture.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to use ripe apricots for this recipe, as they will be sweeter and more flavorful.

- You can adjust the amount of sugar and lemon juice to suit your taste preferences.

- Fresh lavender is key to this recipe, as it adds a unique floral note to the dish. If you can't find fresh lavender, you can use dried lavender, but use it sparingly as it can be quite potent.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the warm apricots with raspberries and lavender on their own or with a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.

Cooking Techniques

Baking the fruit at a low temperature allows the flavors to meld together and creates a soft and juicy texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

If apricots are not in season, you can use peaches or nectarines as a substitute.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the fruit mixture ahead of time and bake it just before serving for a quick and easy dessert option.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the warm apricots with raspberries and lavender in individual ramekins for an elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

This dessert pairs well with a glass of sweet dessert wine, such as a late-harvest Riesling or Moscato.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

100 per serving

Carbohydrates

25g per serving

Fats

0.5g per serving

Proteins

1g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is rich in vitamin C, vitamin A, and potassium.

Alergens

This recipe is gluten-free and dairy-free.

Summary

This dessert is a light and healthy option that is perfect for those looking for a sweet treat without the guilt.

Summary

Warm Apricots with Raspberries and Lavender is a simple yet elegant dessert that is perfect for showcasing the flavors of summer. With a few simple ingredients and a little bit of time, you can create a delicious and impressive dish that is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.

How did I get this recipe?

I can still picture the first time I came across this recipe for Warm Apricots with Raspberries and Lavender. It was a warm summer day, much like today, and I was strolling through the farmer's market in the quaint little town of Provence. The air was filled with the sweet scent of lavender, and the vendors were bustling about, selling their fresh fruits and vegetables.

As I wandered through the market, a kind elderly woman caught my eye. She was sitting behind a small wooden table, surrounded by baskets of ripe apricots and plump raspberries. A sign next to her read "Maman's Homemade Delights". Intrigued, I approached her and struck up a conversation.

The woman, whose name was Maman Elise, had a twinkle in her eye and a warm smile on her face. She told me that she had been making warm apricots with raspberries and lavender for as long as she could remember. It was a recipe that had been passed down through generations of her family, and she was more than happy to share it with me.

Maman Elise took me under her wing that day, teaching me the secrets of her beloved recipe. We spent hours in her cozy kitchen, simmering the apricots in a fragrant lavender syrup and gently folding in the fresh raspberries. The aroma that wafted through the air was simply intoxicating, and I knew that I had stumbled upon something truly special.

After the dish was finished, Maman Elise and I sat down at her kitchen table to enjoy our creation. The warm apricots melted in my mouth, their natural sweetness enhanced by the tartness of the raspberries and the subtle hint of lavender. It was a taste sensation unlike anything I had ever experienced before, and I knew that this recipe would become a treasured staple in my own kitchen.

Over the years, I have made Maman Elise's Warm Apricots with Raspberries and Lavender countless times. Each time I prepare it, I am transported back to that sunny day in Provence, with the sound of bustling market vendors and the scent of lavender in the air. This recipe has become a symbol of my love for cooking and my appreciation for the culinary traditions that have been passed down to me.

I have shared this recipe with friends and family, each time adding my own personal touch to make it truly my own. Some have even said that it is the best dessert they have ever tasted, a sentiment that never fails to make me smile. And as I sit down to enjoy a warm bowl of apricots with raspberries and lavender, I can't help but feel grateful for the chance encounter that brought this delightful dish into my life.