Grilled Apricots with Whipped Ricotta, Basil and Sherry Vinegar Syrup
Merrill Stubbs
- Serves
- 4
When fruit is as good as it's been this summer, it's a crime to do much to it, so I came up with this simple dessert -- it's sort of like a cheese course and dessert all in one, with a mix of contrasting flavors and textures. Ripe apricot halves are barely kissed by the grill, and then topped with an airy spoonful of ricotta and basil and a drizzle of sherry vinegar syrup (technically a gastrique, if you want to get fancy). Dessert in a flash.
Ingredients
- 6 tablespoon turbinado (raw) sugar
- 2 tablespoon sherry vinegar
- 1/2 cup ricotta
- 2 to 3 tablespoon mascarpone
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped basil
- 6 apricots, ripe but still a little firm
- Vegetable oil, for brushing
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Directions
- Step 1
Combine the sugar, sherry vinegar and 6 tablespoons cold water in a small, heavy saucepan and bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring to dissolve the sugar. Simmer for about five minutes, or until syrupy. Set aside to cool.
- Step 2
Whisk together the ricotta and mascarpone in a small bowl until lightened, about 30 seconds. Stir in the basil. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use.
- Step 3
Heat a grill so that it's very hot. Halve the apricots and brush the cut sides lightly with oil. Place the apricots cut-side down on the grill and cook for a couple of minutes, until char marks appear. Gently flip the apricots and cook for about 30 second on the other side, just to warm the fruit through. Remove to a platter.
- Step 4
Serve the apricots while still warm (3 halves per person), with a dollop of ricotta and a drizzle of the vinegar syrup.