It seems that I have (finally) come to appreciate the benefits of making simple, beautiful, delicious food. Easy, uncomplicated recipes made with great ingredients and plated with great visual impact do indeed have the 'wow' factor I am going for when having family and/or friends over. Whether it's a spontaneous, impromptu gathering or an intentional, well-planned occasion the food I serve is always an expression of love. A labor-intensive Bolognese as well these Blue Cheese Topped Dried Apricots with Hot Honey both have the exact same love language characteristics. Somewhere along the way I discovered that when it comes to expressing my love to family and friends, deliciousness and presentation always outweigh the complexity or the simplicity of a dish.
However, it has only been recently that I have come to realize (or rather accept) that creating deliciousness really can be easy. And these sweet, salty, tangy, utterly delectable Blue Cheese topped Dried Apricots with Hot Honey bites are the perfect example. They literally can be made in less than 10 minutes and are absolutely divine. Which just happens to make them one of those perfect and still impressive last-minute appetizers.
The recipe calls for only five ingredients. Plump dried apricots, toasted walnut halves, cream cheese, blue cheese and hot honey. But two of the five will definitely affect the delectability and lusciousness of this 'one or two' bite wonder. They are the blue cheese and the hot honey. When it comes to buying a great quality blue cheese, I tend to purchase either wedges of Point Reyes Blue Cheese (my personal favorite) or Maytag Blue. And when it comes to Hot Honey, I tend to use Mike's Hot Honey. But there are other great hot honeys out there. I just happen to really like Mike's. Disclaimer: I understand the Rogue River Blue Cheese made in Oregon is amazing. I have yet to try it, but plan to!
The recipe below makes enough for a dozen small bites. When you look at the ingredient list you will immediately realize how it can easily be doubled or tripled. If I was having a gathering of only four people, I would make a dozen of these as they are a bit on the rich, but very satisfying side.
I used a very small cookie scoop for putting the blue cheese/cream mixture on top of the dried apricots. But you could easily use a spoon. The amount of blue cheese and cream cheese listed in the recipe will evenly top each of the apricots. If you have some leftover, you may not have topped each apricot equally. If you don't have enough, you over did it on the ones topped.
The flavors and textures of these Blue Cheese topped Dried Apricots with Hot Honey is almost mind blowing. More than likely they will be making regular appearances here when I have family and/or friends over. Already I plan on making them for Easter Brunch as they would be the perfect premeal nibble. Paired with some sparkling wine or champagne, everyone is bound to feel my love for them.
Recipe
Blue Cheese topped Dried Apricots with Hot Honey
Blue Cheese topped Dried Apricots with Hot Honey
Makes 1 Dozen
Ingredients
2 ounces (56g) good quality blue cheese (e.g., Point Reyes, Maytag Blue)
1 ounce (20g) cream cheese
12 plump dried apricots
12 walnut halves, toasted
Hot Honey (e.g., Mike's Hot Honey)
Directions
1. In a small bowl, blend together the blue cheese and cream cheese until very well blended.
2. Evenly spoon the blue cheese/cream cheese mixture on top of each apricot. Note: There is enough of the mixture to evenly distribute over the 12 apricots.
3. Press a toasted walnut halve on top of the blue cheese/cream cheese mixture,
4. Arrange the apricots on a serving platter. Generously drizzle with Hot Honey.
5. Serve immediately and enjoy.
Notes: (1) You can make the blue cheese/cream cheese mixture a couple hours ahead and refrigerate. Take out about 20 minutes before preparing the appetizer. (2) There are a variety of hot honeys on the market. Use your favorite. (3) Do not use blue cheese crumbles to make this appetizer. (4) I generally buy my dried apricots at Trader Joe's but they can also be found in grocery stores and specialty stores. (5) You can easily double or triple this recipe. (6) To toast the walnuts, preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Place the walnut halves on a baking sheet and bake for 8-9 minutes or just until fragrant. (7) This recipe was inspired by one from the Perini Ranch Steakhouse Cookbook.
