Apricot and Vanilla Bean Coulis

This apricot and vanilla bean coulis is a delicious accompaniment to a dessert. It adds a touch of elegance and a beautiful orange coloured hue. While a coulis is often associated with berries, you’re not limited to them - stone fruits, tropical fruits, or even rhubarb can create deliciously unique coulis variations.

Each fruit adds its own unique flavour and colour, making it simple to customise your coulis for any dessert.

Ingredients:

Makes approximately one cup.

• 125g (4 oz) apricots, fresh or canned
• 50g (1 3/4 oz) castor sugar
• 50ml (1 3/4 oz) water or liquid from the can
• 1 vanilla bean, scraped or 1/2 teaspoon vanilla essence

Method:

• Put the fruit, castor sugar, water and vanilla into a small pot and bring to the boil.
• Once boiling, turn down the heat and simmer until the fruit is soft.
• Cool a little before blending with a stick blender (or similar) until a puree is created.
• Strain through a sieve for a smooth finish.

This can be served warm or cold. It keeps well refrigerated for about 5 days, or can be frozen in an ice-cube tray for easy defrosting.