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Monday, July 20, 2009

Apricot Abundance

We have a massive apricot tree in our back yard! My husband "trimmed" it back last month in hopes of thinning the crop! It made the surviving fruit bigger and more beautiful! Too bad apricots aren't my favorite and too bad apricots are despised by most people in my family!

I picked a 5 gallon bucket of apricots on Saturday. It didn't even make a dent! I made 3 batches of jam. I sure hope my neighbors like apricot jam because that's what they're getting for Christmas!


I pleaded with the women in church to come get some apricots. So far, I have one taker and the box that she picked won't be missed!

I made this apricot cake. It is really good! I'll post the recipe here. But first I have some questions:
Do you live in Utah County? If so...I know a great place for apricots! (seriously)
Do you say apricot with a long a or with a short a?
Did you ever dry the pit in the apricot and break it with a hammer and eat the middle of it?
Just wondering.
Fresh Apricot Spice Crumble Cake
CRUMBLE TOPPING:
1 cup flour
1 cup brown sugar, packed
1/2 cup butter, softened

CAKE:
1 1/2 cups flour
1 cup sugar
1 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp ground ginger
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp nutmeg
1 1/2 cups chopped fresh ripe apricots
2 eggs beaten
3/4 cup vegetable oil
1 tsp. vanilla

For topping, combine 1 cup flour with brown sugar, cut in butter with pastry blender until mixture is moist and crumbly. For cake, combine dry ingredients. Add eggs, oil and vanilla. Stir in apricots. Mix together to form a batter. Pour into greased and floured 9x13 baking pan. Sprinkle top evenly with topping. Bake 350 degrees for 45 to 50 minutes. You can serve warm with a scoop of ice cream or whipping cream or just eat it when its cooled.

17 comments:

Small House said...

The apricots are beautiful on the tree!!!! Wow, you did get a lot of apricots. My mom used to make apricot jam and all things apricot she could. But my favorite was....drying out the pits, cracking them open and eating the seed inside. If I remember right, I think it was like an almond. Maybe I'm crazy and I'm off track here, but I swear that's what we did. Hmmmm.....I'll have to get some apricots and try it again.

I can't believe no one took you up on your offer of some apricots. Crazy ladies.
Have a great day.
Sandra

Anonymous said...

I will be right over to help take a load of these beauties off your hands. Mouth is watering just reading the recipe.

Camille said...

I'd be happy to help you eat that cake - wait.. I think I did. and it WAS delicioso! That's the way I prefer eating apricots.

The Newest Mexicans said...

I pronounce it, Ooprocot. It's much more distinguished and refined.



I me is Nicole. But you should say it.... Nicool

Valerie said...

Well, the recipe sounds delish!
This reminded me I have an apricot cake recipe that I used to make (with bottled apricots). My grandma had an apricot tree, so I often was gifted a bucket full of apricots!
My mother-in-law used to make apricot juice (called "chewy juice" cause it was so thick).
I remember eating the dried apricot pits when I was a kid.
And I pronounce it with a long a...thanks for asking!

Jill K said...

I am just waiting for that cat tree I planted a couple years ago in your yard to start sprouting.

Kazzy said...

Beautiful fruit there, little miss can and store. You are my food storage hero!

Barbaloot said...

I'm very much wishing I was your neighbor so I could get some of that jam for Christmas!!

Victoria Hayden said...

Connie, your the best! Thank you for always visiting and leaving the sweetest comments! I hope you win!!

On another note...I love Apricots!!! I wish I was back in Utah, I would bring some home with me. The cake looks soo good, I am going to try this recipe! Thanks for sharing!

Have a wonderful day to you too!!

Hugs friend,
~Victoria~

gigi said...

Do you live in Utah County? (NO SORRY.)

Do you say apricot with a long a or with a short a? (SHORT A.)

Did you ever dry the pit in the apricot and break it with a hammer and eat the middle of it? (NEVER TRIED THAT BEFORE.)

Is it good?

I love apricot jam. Send me a jar for Christmas :)

gigi said...

BTW, again I must tell you how precious those childrens pictures are on your side bar. LUCKY YOU!

gigi said...

Oh, sorry, one more time! That recipe looks great and you know me and cake :)

Kristina P. said...

I love apricots and would totally take some off your hands! :)

Yvonne said...

I wish I lived in Utah county and I could pick up those apricots (with a long A)

I'm sure your neighbors will love their apricot jam.

CB said...

You have been a super busy woman. That is alot of apricots but they Do look so very pretty!!

You totally deserved to win that fun bracelet above - Good job!

mysteryhistorymom said...

Cute bracelet!!! Lucky you.:) And I LOVE apricots! How I wish I lived closer! sigh... Lori

Kimmie said...

WOW!! I wish I lived closer to you and I would take you up on your offer to take as many apricots as you would let me take!!

I love apricot jam, making fruit leather with it and we just enjoy devouring them all throughout the day!!

You can tell you live in a warmer climate than us because our apricots won't be on for another month and half.

Really looking forward to trying out your apricot cake recipe...just wish I had some apricots to make it today. I am definitely going to make this as soon as I get some.

You have such a FUN sense of humor and I love all of the fun things you post about!

Have a great day!