Simple, delicious, and handy, dry fruits are the most underrated pantry items, particularly in winter.
As the winter chill sets in, there’s nothing quite like the richness of dry fruits to warm up any gathering.
They impart a unique natural sweetness to desserts but there’s more… Using them as garnish can take any savory dish to the next level. Either by sprinkling chopped nuts over a salad or by adding pistachios or almonds to your cheese board.
Here are some quick & easy dry fruit recipes for last-minute guests.
1. Chilgoza & Date Energy Bites
Begin by blending pitted dates in a food processor until they form a sticky paste.
Add chilgoza (pine nuts), shredded coconut, and honey to the date paste, then pulse until well combined.
Roll the mixture into small balls and refrigerate for 30 minutes before serving.
2. Cashew & Pistachio Bites
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside. In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine sugar, water, and salt over medium heat until the sugar dissolves.
Add cashews and roasted pistachios to the saucepan, stirring continuously until the mixture turns golden brown and reaches 300°F (hard crack stage) on a candy thermometer.
Pour the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, spread it out evenly, and let it cool completely before breaking it into pieces.
3. Apricot & Raisin Cheese Board
Arrange assorted cheeses (such as brie, cheddar, and gouda) on a wooden board or serving platter. Surround the cheeses with dry apricots and golden raisins to create an attractive display.
Place crackers or slices of crusty bread alongside the cheese and fruit, and encourage your guests to experiment with different flavor combinations by pairing the cheeses with the dried fruits and bread.
4. Stuffed Dates
Begin by slitting dates lengthwise and removing the pits. Then, fill each date with a mixture of cream cheese and chopped pistachios.
The creaminess of the cheese complements the sweetness of the dates, while the pistachios add a crunchy texture to the overall chewiness.
These stuffed dates make for a perfect finger-food appetizer or dessert option. Your guests will surely enjoy the simplicity and elegance of this dish.
5. Apricot & Almond Energy Balls
Start by combining dried apricots, almonds, honey, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt in a food processor.
Pulse until the mixture forms a sticky dough. Then, roll small portions of the mixture into balls using your hands. For an extra touch, coat the balls with shredded coconut or cocoa powder.
Refrigerate the energy balls for at least 30 minutes to firm up before serving.
These simple recipes are perfect for entertaining guests on short notice, highlighting the delicious flavors of the dry fruits available at Super Asia. Order online now!