Balsamic Glazed Apricots With Ricotta Clouds Recipes

MERINGUE CLOUDS

Steps:

• Position racks in the upper and lower thirds of the oven; preheat to 250 degrees F. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.
• Beat the egg whites, cream of tartar and salt in a large clean dry bowl with a mixer on medium speed until foamy. Increase the speed to medium high and beat until thick and opaque, about 1 more minute. Gradually add the confectioners' sugar, about 1/4 cup at a time, and beat until stiff shiny peaks form, about 5 more minutes.
• Scoop 6 large mounds of meringue (3/4 cup each) onto the baking sheets, leaving space between each. Using the back of a spoon, pull up the meringue to form swoops and spikes on each mound. Sprinkle with coarse sugar. Bake at 250 degrees F until dry and crisp, 4 to 5 hours. Let cool completely on the baking sheets. Store in an airtight container in a dry place for up to 1 week.

BALSAMIC-GLAZED APRICOTS WITH RICOTTA CLOUDS

Steps:

• In a medium skillet over medium heat, melt the butter and cook until the foam subsides. Place the apricots cut side down in the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until apricots are slightly tender and warmed through, 5 to 6 minutes. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar and the honey. When apricots are ready, and add honey-balsamic mixture to the skillet. Increase the heat to medium-high and cook, stirring frequently, until the apricots have cooked through and the glaze is bubbling, uniformly coating the apricots. To serve, place a scoop of ricotta on each serving plate, top with 2 apricot halves and drizzle with the honey-balsamic glaze from the skillet.

BROWN SUGAR GLAZED APRICOTS WITH SWEET RISOTTO PUDDING

Steps:

• Combine milk, sugar, vanilla, ginger, orange zest, and rice in pot. Over medium heat, bring to a boil, stirring occasionally. Reduce heat to simmer and cook until most of the milk is absorbed, about 20 to 35 minutes, continuing to stir occasionally. Whisk together egg and yolks and slowly temper into simmering rice mixture. Take off heat and stir butter. Remove vanilla bean and ginger and pour onto lined sheet pan. Cover with plastic or parchment and refrigerate to cool. When cool, fold in whipped creme fraiche.
• Meanwhile, split apricots in half and pit. Lay face side up on sheet pan. Sprinkle each half with brown sugar and cinnamon. Dot with butter and drizzle with brandy. Place in broiler or under salamander until butter and sugar melt and bubble and apricots soften, about 3 to 5 minutes.
• To serve, spoon rice pudding into center of bowl, place 4 apricots halves on top.

RICOTTA WITH BALSAMIC BERRIES

Steps:

• Boil the vinegar, honey and mint sprig in a small saucepan until syrupy, about 7 minutes. Cool the syrup slightly, then drizzle over strawberries and/or blackberries and ricotta.

MERINGUE CLOUDS

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Arrange two oven racks evenly in the oven.
• Line a sheet pan with parchment paper and spread the sugar in an even layer on the paper. (Leave a small border of paper around the sugar so the sugar doesn?t spill onto the pan.) Bake for 10 minutes. Reduce the oven temperature to 250 degrees F.
• Meanwhile, place the egg whites in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the whisk attachment. When the sugar is almost ready, whisk the egg whites on high speed for 1 minute, until the whites are frothy. With the mixer still on high, slowly add the hot sugar to the egg whites. (I use a large spoon to start and then pick up the paper and pour the sugar in slowly.) Add the vanilla and continue to whisk on high for 10 minutes, until the meringue is at room temperature. It will be very thick and glossy.
• Using two large serving spoons, scoop 12 very large oval dollops of meringue onto two sheet pans lined with parchment paper. You should be able to get 6 meringues on each pan; space them well because they will expand while they bake. Place 3 candied rose petals on top of each meringue. Bake for 2 hours, until the outsides of the meringues are crisp and the centers are still soft. Set aside to cool on baking racks. Allow to sit uncovered and serve at room temperature. (Don?t refrigerate or store covered or they will lose their crispness.)
• Photograph by Ryan Dausch