Lebanese Apricot Cream

Published May 9, 1995

Total Time
45 minutes
Rating
5(19)
Comments
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Florence Fabricant

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Ingredients

Yield:6 servings
  • 1 pound dried apricots

  • 4 cups water (approximately)

  • ¾ cups sugar (approximately)

  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch dissolved in ¼-cup cold water

  • Juice of ½ lemon

  • 1 cup heavy cream

  • 2 teaspoons orange flower water

  • 2 teaspoons grated orange zest

  • 2 tablespoons chopped toasted unsalted pistachio nuts

Ingredient Substitution Guide
Nutritional analysis per serving (6 servings)

77 grams carbs; 45 milligrams cholesterol; 441 calories; 4 grams monosaturated fat; 1 gram polyunsaturated fat; 9 grams saturated fat; 16 grams fat; 6 grams fiber; 25 milligrams sodium; 4 grams protein; 67 grams sugar

Note: The information shown is Edamam’s estimate based on available ingredients and preparation. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.

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Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Place the apricots in a bowl, and add the water. Allow to soak overnight. The next day, transfer the apricots and the soaking liquid to a saucepan, adding more water if necessary to cover the apricots. Bring to a boil and simmer about 30 minutes, until the apricots are very soft.

  2. Step 2

    Transfer apricots and liquid to a food processor or food mill; puree.

  3. Step 3

    Return the puree to the saucepan, and add half a cup of sugar, dissolved cornstarch and lemon juice. Simmer a few minutes. Adjust the sweetening to taste.

  4. Step 4

    Transfer to a bowl or to 6 individual dishes. Cover and refrigerate.

  5. Step 5

    Whip the cream until softly peaked. Fold in 2 tablespoons of sugar (or to taste), the orange flower water and orange zest. Whip the cream until medium stiff.

  6. Step 6

    To serve, place a generous dollop of whipped cream on each individual serving, or spoon the apricot mixture into goblets alternately with the whipped cream. Top each serving with a sprinkling of pistachios.

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Ratings

5 out of 5
19 user ratings
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Comments

I couldn't find orange flower water, so I used orange zest instead. I made these in gold rimmed water glasses. Delish.

I left out the pistachios and the orange zest, and swirled the cream through the apricot puree so that it resembled a British fool in appearance. It is beautiful, mysterious, and celestially delicious. And it makes a truckload.

I thought this was deeeeeelicious! Changes I made mostly out of necessity - used potato starch instead 1:1, added the flower water to the apricot instead of the whipped cream, and made stabilized whipped cream (using the spruce recipe I have on hand).

I left out the pistachios and the orange zest, and swirled the cream through the apricot puree so that it resembled a British fool in appearance. It is beautiful, mysterious, and celestially delicious. And it makes a truckload.

I couldn't find orange flower water, so I used orange zest instead. I made these in gold rimmed water glasses. Delish.

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Credits

Adapted from Square One, San Francisco

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