Apricot Gems Recipes

Steps:

• Toss the apricots, sugar, lemon zest and juice and vanilla in a large saucepan to combine, then mash slightly to release some of the apricot juice. Set aside for 10 minutes to allow the apricots to macerate and the sugar to dissolve. Meanwhile, place a small plate in the freezer to chill; this will be used to test the doneness of the jam.
• Place the saucepan over medium-high heat. (See Cook's Note for suggested add-in.) Bring the mixture to a boil and then reduce the heat to medium, stirring frequently. Continue to cook until the jam becomes thick and syrupy, about 35 minutes. To test doneness, place a small amount of the jam onto the chilled plate and freeze for 2 minutes. Drag your finger or a spoon through the jam. If it holds its shape and thickness, the jam is done; remove from the heat. If it's runny, continue to cook and test again in 5-minute increments. Once the jam has reached the right consistency, transfer to jars and cool completely before storing, tightly covered. The jam will keep in the refrigerator for up to 6 months.

Steps:

• Heat oven to 400°F. Spray 8-inch square pan with cooking spray. In large bowl, mix flour, sugar, baking powder and salt. Cut in butter, using pastry blender (or pulling 2 table knives through ingredients in opposite directions), until mixture looks like coarse crumbs.
• In small bowl, mix milk, almond extract and egg. Add to flour mixture; stir just until moistened. With lightly floured fingers, press half of mixture in bottom of pan. Bake 5 minutes.
• Spoon preserves evenly over baked layer; carefully spread. Drop remaining half of dough mixture by small spoonfuls evenly over preserves. Bake 13 to 18 minutes longer or until lightly browned. Cool completely, about 1 hour.
• In small bowl, mix all glaze ingredients until smooth and thin enough to drizzle. Drizzle over cooled bars. For bars, cut into 5 rows by 5 rows.

Steps:

• Place apricots and hazelnuts in food processor. Cover and process, using quick on-and-off motions, until finely chopped. Place mixture in large bowl. Stir in cracker crumbs and milk.
• Shape mixture into 1-inch balls. Cover tightly and store in refrigerator up to 2 weeks or freeze up to 2 months.