Apricots seem exotic and rare because they disappear from the market before peaches and plums, their stone fruit cousins. Light grilling keeps their pleasing shape intact, and the fruit’s natural sweetness is accentuated by the fat and sourness of the goat cheese. If you don’t have a grill, sear the apricots in a pan, following the same instructions for grilling. For a sweeter take on this recipe, reduce the salt and pepper and, after topping the apricots with the goat cheese, drizzle them with honey and garnish with a few mint leaves.
Recipe information
Yield
serves 4 to 6 as a starter
Ingredients
Preparation
Step 1
Remove the goat cheese from its package, place in a bowl, and let sit at room temperature to soften.
Step 2
Cut the apricots in half along the seam that runs around the fruit; the two halves should come apart cleanly after you cut all the way around. Remove the pit. Drizzle the halves lightly with the olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
Step 3
Heat the grill. Place a few apricots on the grill, cut side down, and grill for just under a minute. As you grill, press down firmly with tongs for a couple of seconds to form grill marks. Turn and cook for 10 seconds on the second side. Repeat with the remaining apricots.
Step 4
Add a dash of water to the goat cheese and stir until it’s pliable. Using two spoons, place a generous spoonful of goat cheese in the indentation of each apricot; scoop the cheese with the first one and use the second to push the cheese onto the fruit. Spoon a few drops of the balsamic vinegar over the apricots and season with more pepper. Serve immediately.
