Description

Delight in the perfect balance of sweet and savory with these Grilled Apricots topped with luscious whipped goat cheese and a fragrant thyme-honey glaze. This elegant appetizer combines caramelized apricots grilled to perfection, creamy goat cheese whipped until fluffy, and a warm honey infusion accented with fresh thyme. Finished with toasted almonds and optional edible flowers, this dish is a sophisticated treat perfect for entertaining or a special snack.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Grilled Apricots

4 ripe but firm apricots, halved and pitted
1 tbsp olive oil
Pinch of sea salt

For the Whipped Goat Cheese

150g (5 oz) soft goat cheese
2 tbsp cream or Greek yogurt
1 tsp lemon juice
Salt & pepper, to taste

For the Thyme-Honey Glaze

3 tbsp honey
3–4 sprigs fresh thyme

For Garnish

2 tbsp sliced almonds, toasted until golden
Extra thyme leaves or edible flowers (optional)

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Instructions

Prepare the grill: Heat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat to get a nice sear for the apricots.
Grill the apricots: Brush the halved apricots with olive oil and sprinkle lightly with sea salt. Place them cut-side down on the hot grill for 2–3 minutes until they develop caramelized grill marks. Remove and set aside.
Make the whipped goat cheese: In a mixing bowl or food processor, combine the soft goat cheese, cream or Greek yogurt, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Whip until smooth and fluffy. Chill until ready to use.
Infuse the honey: Warm the honey gently with fresh thyme sprigs in a small saucepan over low heat for 3–5 minutes to infuse the flavor. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly while steeping.
Assemble the dish: Spoon and swirl the whipped goat cheese onto a serving plate as a base. Arrange the grilled apricot halves artistically on top.
Finish with glaze and garnish: Drizzle the thyme-infused honey glaze over the apricots and cheese. Sprinkle toasted sliced almonds and garnish with fresh thyme leaves or edible flowers if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

Choose apricots that are ripe but firm to hold their shape when grilled.
For a richer texture, use cream instead of Greek yogurt in the goat cheese mixture.
The thyme-honey can be prepared ahead of time and gently reheated before serving.
Toast almonds carefully to avoid burning; stir frequently during toasting.
This recipe can be served as an appetizer or a light dessert.
If you don’t have a grill, use a grill pan or a broiler set on high to achieve caramelization.