Spicy Dried Fruit Dessert Sauce Recipes

SPICY DRIED FRUIT DESSERT SAUCE

Steps:

• Combine all ingredients except those to finish the sauce in a food processor and pulse until coarsely chopped; do not purée. Transfer to an airtight container and let rest at least 1 day, or up to 4 weeks.
• When ready to serve, transfer to a saucepan and add enough rum or other liquid to loosen. Heat until warm and bubbly. If desired, add black pepper to make the mixture more spicy. To make a richer sauce, whisk in cold butter 1 tablespoon at a time, to taste.
• Serve warm over ice cream, pumpkin pie or baked apples.

SPICED DRIED-FRUIT CHUTNEY

Steps:

• Stir 1 finely chopped shallot, 1 tablespoon coriander seeds, 1 tablespoon finely chopped peeled ginger, and 1 teaspoon vegetable oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add 1 1/2 cups coarsely chopped dried apricots, 1 cup apple cider vinegar, 1/4 cup coarsely chopped dried figs, 1/4 cup coarsely chopped prunes, 1/4 cup golden raisins, 1/4 cup robust-flavored (dark) molasses, and 1 1/2 cups water; season with salt and pepper.
• Bring to a simmer and cook, adding more water if too thick, until fruit is soft and liquid is almost completely evaporated. Let cool.

APRICOT SAUCE

Steps:

• Combine 2 cups water, sugar and dried apricots in heavy medium saucepan. Bring mixture to boil. Reduce heat to medium and simmer until apricots are tender, about 25 minutes. Remove from heat. Cool 15 minutes. Transfer apricot mixture to blender and puree, adding more water by tablespoonfuls if needed to form smooth sauce. Add vanilla extract and blend well. (Can be prepared 1 day ahead. Cover and refrigerate.)