A Sweet Soak Will Soften Any Apricot

This is turning out to be a great summer for fruit. When that happens, you don’t need to get fancy with the recipe. The simpler the preparation, the better.

In this recipe apricots are macerated in apricot brandy and Grand Marnier and then spooned into meringues. You may want to vary the amount of sugar and lemon juice, depending on the sweetness of the apricots.

Macerated Apricots Over Almond Meringues

Active Work Time: 30 minutes * Total Preparation Time: 2 hours 15 minutes

3 egg whites

1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar

2/3 cup sugar

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/4 teaspoon almond extract

6 tablespoons sliced almonds

6 apricots, sliced

1/4 cup sugar

1/4 cup apricot brandy

2 tablespoons Grand Marnier

2 teaspoons lemon juice

18 raspberries

* Beat egg whites and cream of tartar until soft peaks form. Slowly beat in sugar. Beat until stiff peaks form. Stir in vanilla and almond extracts.

* Divide into 6 mounds on baking sheet lined with parchment paper. With large spoon, shape each meringue into nest, making indentation in center. Sprinkle almonds over top and sides of each meringue. Bake at 275 degrees 1 1/2 hours. Remove from oven and let cool.

* Toss sliced apricots with sugar in bowl. Stir in apricot brandy, Grand Marnier and lemon juice. Let stand about 15 minutes for flavors to blend.

* Spoon apricots and some syrup onto meringues and top with raspberries.

6 servings. Each serving: 238 calories; 35 mg sodium; 0 mg cholesterol; 5 grams fat; 39 grams carbohydrates; 4 grams protein; 1.03 grams fiber.