Freshly anchored: Blackberries in apricot boats
Yesterday my dear friend Julie turned 40 (such a young thing), a milestone ushered in by her close friends and husband Matt. Matty as she likes to call him (though we may not) had planned a surprise birthday party for her at our friend Kurt’s farm, as dreamy a place to celebrate on a sunny day as I can imagine. A man of quiet charm, Matt was like an anxious school boy on his first date. He worried unnecessarily, fidgeted readily and paced purposefully before the birthday girl’s arrival.
In the end, Julie was surprised, Matt was delighted and we were there to share hugs and celebrate friendships. We ate, we drank, we basked in the warmth of both an August sun and our radiant Julie–a summer memory that will carry me well through next spring.
My contribution, a dish befitting the birthday girl: something sweet, vibrant and fresh.
RECIPE: Apricot Berry Boat Appetizer
Ingredients:
- Berries (raspberries, blackberries, even sweet cherries work)
- Apricots (on the small size)
- Honey (or fruit jelly)
Preparation:
- Slice apricots in half, remove pit
- Gently toss berries in a bowl with a tablespoon of honey to coat berries lightly
- If you don’t have honey, heat up a little jelly and coat the berries with that, again lightly
- Drop a berry onto apricot half
- Arrange artfully on a plate
Optional:
- Add goat cheese (get a little fancier and add a tiny dollop of goat cheese (from LaBiondo Farm & Kitchen) between the apricot and berry)
Unsuspecting Julie walking into our celebratory (albeit surprise) embrace.
…And they lived happily ever after.
If I could, I would invite you to every dinner party. You are a dazzler and the apricots and berries…picture perfect and I know, they tasted wonderful!!
Susan, and I would gladly accept, oh and wear a pressed shirt as well!
These are beautiful in their simplicity. I like the goat cheese alternative.
LOVE these! I think I may pick some mulberries tomorrow and stick them in apricots for breakfast with a dollop of creme fraiche. Thanks for the idea and sweet post!
very pretty indeed! I would definitely go for the fancied (and more sinful) version with goat cheese or a little ashta!
That’s such a cute and so wholesome party dish! Wonderful idea, too.
We adore your blog Tom so we tagged you today on ours for My 7 Links. Can’t wait to read about your favorite seven.
Thanks Steve, I’m honored, now I need to ponder my favorite 7 links…have lunch over on your blog — delicious posts always. Cheers, Tom
Lovely, simply lovely. Simple, calorically responsible and beautiful too. Happy birthday to Julie! The 40’s are the BEST (if I can remember that far back)
What a lovely appetizer Tom! So pretty too! Can’t wait for our blackberries to be ready…
I really enjoy this window into life on Vashon. You must have been very good in a past life. You seem truly blessed.
Stephanie, thank you, I do try to behave, or least look as though I could. I do feel very fortunate to live where I do and for the people around me, (including online pals, too) thanks again. Tom
Hi Tom
Let me start by saying, I am a pretty busy person. That said, I stumbled on your blog yesterday and starting reading back through the archive. I couldn’t stop. I just finished. It was the most entertaining blog I’ve ever read. And…I am a bit of a blog junkie, so I’ve read a LOT. I have added your blog to my list with a note to read the archive. Thank you for a most entertaining evening and morning. (I’ve been reading since 5am)
WOW Erin, you made my day, what a kind kind comment, such words are fuel for future posts. When its rainy outside and I’m mopey inside, I return to your generous words and get moving again. Thank you, truly. Tom
Oh yes…my mom gave me a treat the other day. Super sweet raspberries stuffed with huge ripe blueberries. Sounds odd, but it was delicious. This posting reminded me of them.
[…] Apricot Berry Boats […]
I’ll take mine with goat cheese, please. These look gorgeous and I bet they were a hit at the party!
Very healthy and yummy appetizer. Thanks for sharing.