Raisin Apricot Quarkcake Recipes

APRICOT AND RAISIN BUTTER CAKE

Steps:

• Soak raisins and chopped apricots in brandy for 2 hours (preferably overnight in the fridge) - See TIPS above
• Prepare crumb mixture by mixing all ingredients by hand/food processor until crumbly; set aside
• Sift flour, baking powder and salt together, set aside
• Whip egg whites with 1 TB sugar until they form stiff peaks (but not dry); set aside
• Cream butter and 3/4 cup sugar until light and fluffy
• Add egg yolks, one at a time, beating well after each addition
• Next, add the soaked fruits with the brandy and stir gently
• Using LOW speed on your mixer, add the sifted flour mixture, alternating with the yogurt according to this sequence - flour-yogurt-flour-yogurt-flour, until well combined
• Now gently fold the whipped egg whites into the creamed mixture
• Pour half of the batter into greased and floured pan (bundt/square/round), followed by the crumb mixture, then finally all the remaining batter
• Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C / 350°F for 55 mins for Bundt pan, 25-30 mins for square/round pan, until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean
• Remove from oven, cool in the pan for 10-15mins, then cool completely on wire racks
• For a very moist cake, sprinkle brandy syrup on warm cake (I poke some holes using toothpick all over the cake before sprinkling)
• To make brandy syrup - combine 2 TB brandy, 2 TB hot water and 2 tsp sugar; stir to dissolve sugar
• The cake is best made 1 day ahead

OLD FASHIONED APRICOT RAISIN PIE

Steps:

• 1. Roll half of the pie pastry to 1/8 inch thickness on a lightly floured surface. Place in a 10-inch pie plate. Set aside.
• 2. Drain the apricots, reserving 1 1/2 cups syrup. Set the apricots aside.
• 3. Combine the reserved syrup and cornstarch in a medium saucepan, stir well Stir in raisins, sugar, and salt. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture is thickened and bubbly. Remove from the heat; add lemon rind, lemon juice, and butter, stirring until the butter melts. Add the reserved apricots and pecans; stir well. Pour filling mixture into the pastry shell.
• 4. Roll the remaining half of the pie dough to 1/8 inch thickness; cut into 1/2 inch strips. Arrange the pastry strips in lattice design over the apricot mixture. Trim off the excess pastry along the edges. Fold the edges under, and crimp.
• 5. Bake at 350° for 50 to 60 minutes or until golden. Cool on a wire rack.