Best Dried Fruit And Nuts Recipes

SWEET COUSCOUS WITH NUTS AND DRIED FRUIT

Steps:

• In a medium saucepan, combine the water, sugar, cranberries, apricots, and cherries. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar has dissolved, about 2 minutes. Stir in the couscous and remove the pan from the heat. Cover the pan with a tight fitting lid until the couscous has absorbed all of the cooking liquid, about 5 to 7 minutes.
• Using a fork, fluff the couscous to break up any lumps. Add the almonds and hazelnuts and toss. Spread the mixture evenly on a baking sheet until completely cooled, about 10 minutes.
• Transfer the couscous to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator.
• Serving Suggestion: Drizzle the couscous with 1/4 cup of extra-virgin olive oil for a moister texture.

WILD RICE WITH DRIED FRUIT AND NUTS

Steps:

• Thinly slice scallions, separating white and green parts. In a medium saucepan, heat olive oil over medium-high. Add scallion whites and cook, stirring often, until soft, 3 minutes; season with salt and pepper. Add wild rice and cook according to package instructions.
• Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, combine vinegar, dried cherries, and 2 tablespoons water. Bring to a boil over medium-high. Reduce to a simmer and cook until vinegar is almost absorbed, 3 minutes. Transfer to a bowl and add rice mixture, scallion greens, and chopped pecans. Stir well to combine and season to taste with salt and pepper. Serve warm or at room temperature.

BULGUR PILAF WITH DRIED FRUIT AND NUTS

Steps:

• Place the apricots and prunes in a bowl, cover with water and soak overnight or for several hours. Place a strainer over a bowl, and drain the dried fruit. Cut in thin slices.
• Measure out 2 cups of the soaking water (or add enough water to make 2 cups), and bring to a simmer. Meanwhile, melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the bulgur, and stir constantly for a few minutes until the bulgur smells toasty. Add the salt, dried fruit and water, and bring to a boil. Boil for five minutes, then reduce the heat and simmer gently for eight to 10 minutes until the water has been absorbed. Remove from the heat, cover with a clean dish towel and place a lid over the towel. Allow the bulgur to sit for 15 minutes.
• Spoon the bulgur into a serving dish, top with the nuts and serve with plain yogurt on the side.

COCONUT MAPLE GRANOLA WITH MIXED NUTS AND DRIED FRUIT

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 300 degrees F and line 2 sheet trays with parchment paper.
• In a large bowl, combine the oats, almonds, coconut, pecans, pistachios, maple syrup, coconut oil and brown sugar. Divide between the lined sheet trays.
• Bake the granola for 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes. Remove the granola to a large mixing bowl and allow to cool slightly, about 5 minutes. Add the dried apricots, dried cherries and golden raisins and stir to combine. Allow to cool completely, then store in an airtight container for up to two weeks.

QUINOA SALAD WITH DRIED FRUIT AND NUTS

Steps:

• Bring the quinoa, salt, and water to a boil in a saucepan. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer until the quinoa is tender, 20 to 25 minutes. Once done, scrape into a large bowl, and allow to cool for 20 minutes. Stir in the green onions, celery, raisins, cayenne pepper, vegetable oil, vinegar, lemon juice, and sesame oil. Allow to stand at room temperature for 1 hour to allow the flavors to blend. Stir in the cilantro and pecans before serving.

HOLIDAY OATMEAL COOKIES WITH DRIED FRUIT AND NUTS

Steps:

• Set oven to 350 degrees F.
• Grease a large cookie sheet/s.
• In a large bowl combine oil with eggs, both sugars and extract; beat well using an electric mixer on medium speed.
• In a small bowl combine whole wheat flour with baking soda, salt and cinnamon (if using) add to the oil mixture and mix just until combined.
• In a bowl combine the rolled oats with coconut, cranberries, cherries, almonds and chocolate chips (if using) add to the batter and mix until combined.
• Roll into about 1-inch balls then place onto greased baking sheet.
• Flatten slightly with a fork.
• Bake about 8-10 minutes or until golden brown.
• Cool 2 minutes then remove to a rack to cool completely.

MAPLE BAKED APPLES WITH DRIED FRUIT AND NUTS

Steps:

• 1. Preheat the oven to 400°F. In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, dried fruit, and nuts.
• 2. Place the apples in a baking pan or casserole dish and stuff their cavities with the fruit and nut mixture. Place a piece of butter on top of the stuffing.
• 3. Pour the apple cider and maple syrup into the bottom of the baking pan and bake the apples, basting every 5 to 7 minutes, until they are tender, 25 to 35 minutes.
• 4. When the apples are tender, transfer them to a serving platter and cover with foil to keep warm. Pour the pan juices into a small saucepan and bring to a boil over high heat. Simmer the mixture until it becomes syrupy and reduces to a sauce, about 10 minutes. Serve over the apples.
• Serving Suggestions
• Serve with yogurt, whipped crème fraîche, or ginger ice cream.

QUINOA SALAD WITH AVOCADO, DRIED FRUIT AND NUTS

Steps:

• In a medium bowl, soak the cranberries and apricots in hot water for 5 minutes. Drain and set aside.
• In a 2-quart saucepan, bring 2 cups water, the quinoa, and 1/2 teaspoons salt to a boil over high heat. Cover, reduce the heat to medium low, and simmer until the water is absorbed and the quinoa is translucent and tender, 10 to 15 minutes. (The outer germ rings of the grain will remain chewy and white. Some germ rings may separate from the grain and will look like white squiggles.) Immediately fluff the quinoa with a fork and turn it out onto a baking sheet to cool to room temperature.
• Finely grate the zest from the lemon and then squeeze 1 Tbs. juice. In a small bowl, whisk the lemon zest and juice with the olive oil, coriander, cumin, paprika, and 1/4 teaspoons salt. In a large bowl, toss the vinaigrette with the quinoa, cranberries, apricots, avocado, scallions, and almonds. Season to taste with salt and pepper and serve.

MULTIGRAIN STUFFING WITH NUTS AND DRIED FRUIT

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F and butter a 3-quart baking dish. Melt 8 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onions, apples and thyme, season with salt and pepper and cook, stirring, until the onions are soft, about 3 minutes. Add the almonds, walnuts, sunflower seeds, dried blueberries and dried cranberries. Add the broth and bring to a simmer.
• Whisk the eggs and parsley in a large bowl. Add the bread, then pour in the broth mixture and toss.
• Transfer the stuffing to the prepared baking dish and dot with the remaining 1 tablespoon butter. Cover with aluminum foil and bake 30 minutes, then uncover and bake until golden, about 30 more minutes.

WARM WILD RICE SALAD WITH DRIED FRUIT AND NUTS

Steps:

• Soak wild rice in a bowl of water overnight.
• Rinse and place rice in a medium-sized pot with water or broth.
• Bring to a boil over high heat.
• Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 45 minutes or until liquid is absorbed.
• Remove from heat and set aside.
• In a large bowl, combine remaining ingredients.
• Add rice and toss to coat.
• Serve immediately or let cool and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
• From recipe creator - If making ahead, reheat rice salad on the stove top or bake at 350 degrees F. in a covered casserole dish for 20 minutes. (untried by me as of yet).
• *Cook's note: For best results, soak dried fruit in hot water or warm juice for 15 minutes or more to rehydrate slightly and give the fruit a juicier, chewy texture.

DRIED FRUIT AND NUTS

Steps:

• Combine nuts and fruit.

SWEET COUSCOUS WITH NUTS AND DRIED FRUIT

Steps:

• In a medium saucepan, combine the water, sugar, cranberries, apricots, and cherries. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar has dissolved, about 2 minutes. Stir in the couscous and remove the pan from the heat. Cover the pan with a tight fitting lid until the couscous has absorbed all of the cooking liquid, about 5 to 7 minutes.
• Using a fork, fluff the couscous to break up any lumps. Add the almonds and hazelnuts and toss. Spread the mixture evenly on a baking sheet until completely cooled, about 10 minutes.
• Transfer the couscous to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator.
• Serving Suggestion: Drizzle the couscous with 1/4 cup of extra-virgin olive oil for a moister texture.

DELICATA SQUASH STUFFED WITH DRIED FRUIT AND NUTS

Steps:

• Heat oven to 350 degrees. Place squash cut side down on a baking pan with sides. Add 1/2 inch water to pan.
• Bake for 30 minutes or until squash is slightly soft. Remove squash from oven. Pour water off pan and carefully turn over so cut side is up.
• Combine all ingredients for stuffing mixture.
• Place mixture into the 4 squash cavities. Return to oven, continue baking for 30 minutes or until squash is soft and topping is browned.
• Serve immediately.

CRUNCHY GRANOLA WITH NUTS AND DRIED FRUIT

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 300 degrees, with racks in upper and lower thirds.
• Lightly coat two rimmed baking sheets with cooking spray.
• In a large bowl, combine oil, sugar, honey, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt.
• Add oats and nuts; stir to combine. Divide mixture between sheets.
• Bake 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• Add 1/2 cup coconut to each sheet; bake until mixture is golden brown, 15 minutes more.
• Let cool completely on sheets.
• Stir in dried fruit and chocolate chips, if desired.
• Note - Store in airtight containers, up to 3 weeks. Also can be frozen for longer storage.

WHEAT GERM SCONES WITH DRIED FRUIT AND NUTS

Steps:

• Position rack in center of oven and preheat to 400°F. Line rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. Mix 1/2 cup buttermilk, dried fruit, and vanilla in medium bowl.
• Whisk self-rising flour, wheat germ, 1/3 cup brown sugar, cardamom, and ginger in large bowl. Add butter and rub in with fingertips until mixture resembles coarse meal. Stir in almonds, then buttermilk mixture. Mix until dough comes together in moist clumps. Gather dough together. Turn out onto lightly floured work surface; flatten to 8-inch round. Using large knife, cut round into 8 wedges. Place on prepared baking sheet, spacing apart. Brush scones with buttermilk and sprinkle lightly with additional brown sugar.
• Bake scones until golden and tester inserted into center comes out clean, about 25 minutes. Serve warm or at room temperature.

WILD RICE WITH DRIED FRUIT AND NUTS-CROCK POT

Steps:

• Rinse wild rice.
• Combine all ingredients, except onions and parsley in your crock pot.
• Place lid on crock pot and cook on low for 7 hours or high for 2 and 1/2 hours to 3 hours.
• With 30 minutes left to your cook time add the sliced green onions and parsley.
• Stir well and cover to complete cooking time.
• Note: Depending on how old your wild rice is, you may need to add 1 additional cup of chicken broth.

QUINOA SALAD WITH AVOCADO, DRIED FRUIT AND NUTS

Steps:

• In a medium bowl, soak the cranberries and apricots in hot water for 5 minutes. Drain and set aside.
• In a 2-quart saucepan, bring 2 cups water, the quinoa, and 1/2 tsp. salt to a boil over high heat. Cover, reduce the heat to medium low, and simmer until the water is absorbed and the quinoa is translucent and tender, 10 to 15 minutes. (The outer germ rings of the grain will remain chewy and white. Some germ rings may separate from the grain and will look like white squiggles.) Immediately fluff the quinoa with a fork and turn it out onto a baking sheet to cool to room temperature.
• Finely grate the zest from the lemon and then squeeze 1 Tbs. juice. In a small bowl, whisk the lemon zest and juice with the olive oil, coriander, cumin, paprika, and 1/4 tsp. salt. In a large bowl, toss the vinaigrette with the quinoa, cranberries, apricots, avocado, scallions, and almonds. Season to taste with salt and pepper and serve.
• Serves 4.

HONEY PAN DULCE WITH NUTS AND DRIED FRUIT

Steps:

• Place 1/2 cup warm milk and 1 teaspoon sugar in large bowl; sprinkle yeast over and stir to blend. Let stand until yeast dissolves and mixture looks foamy, about 5 minutes. Mix in 1/2 cup flour to form soft sponge. Cover sponge and let stand until very light and bubbly, about 30 minutes.
• Whisk eggs, honey, butter, lemon and orange peel, salt, remaining 1/4 cup milk, and 6 tablespoons sugar in medium bowl to blend. Stir egg mixture into sponge. Mix in 3 cups flour, 1 cup at a time, to form soft dough. Mix in additional flour, 1 tablespoon at a time, until dough is soft and just barely sticky. Turn out onto floured work surface. Knead dough until smooth and elastic, sprinkling with more flour by tablespoonfuls if still sticky, about 8 minutes.
• Butter another large bowl. Form dough into ball. Place in bowl; turn to coat. Cover bowl with plastic wrap. Let dough rise in warm draft-free area until doubled in volume, about 1 1/2 hours.
• Gently press dough down. Sprinkle with all fruits and nuts; knead in bowl to distribute evenly.
• Remove center tube of an angel food cake pan and place an 8-inch-diameter tart pan bottom inside to create 12-cup baking mold. Spray mold with nonstick spray, then butter and flour pan. Form dough into round. Place in prepared pan. Cover with plastic wrap. Let rise in warm draft-free area until almost doubled in volume and almost level with top of pan, about 1 hour 15 minutes.
• Preheat oven to 375°F. Bake pan dulce until deep brown on top and tester inserted into center comes out clean, about 45 minutes. Let stand in pan 5 minutes. Turn out onto rack and cool completely. DO AHEAD Can be made 1 day ahead. Wrap in foil and store at room temperature.
• *Available at some specialty foods stores and candy stores.

COUSCOUS WITH DRIED FRUIT AND PINE NUTS

Steps:

• 1. Boil water, oil (or butter) and 1/2 t salt. Turn off heat and stir in the couscous and dried fruit. 2. Cover and allow water to be absorbed (about 15 minutes). 3. Fluff couscous and stir in herbs and pine nuts. Serve hot or warm.

RUSTIC-MULTIGRAIN STUFFING WITH NUTS AND DRIED FRUIT

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onions, apples and thyme, season with salt and pepper and cook, stirring, until the onions are soft, about 3 minutes. Add the almonds, walnuts, sunflower seeds, dried blueberries and dried cranberries. Add the broth and bring to a simmer. Whisk the eggs and parsley in a large bowl. Add the bread, then pour in the broth mixture and toss. Transfer the stuffing to a 13 x 9 baking dish. Cover with aluminum foil and bake 30 minutes, then uncover and bake until golden, about 30 minutes more.