This recipe with created and perfected by Cindy Paulson.
These grilled apricots with Maytag Blue Cheese and thyme honey took second place in the 2025 Maytag Dairy Farms' Cooking Competition at the Iowa State Fair! Sweet, caramelized apricots and honey complement the bold flavor of Maytag Blue Cheese to create a rich, elegant appetizer.
Ingredients
- 4 ripe but firm apricots, halved & pitted
- 1 Tbsp. olive oil
- 5 oz. Maytag Blue Cheese
- 1 Tbsp. sour cream
- 1 tsp. lemon juice
- Salt & pepper
- 3 sprigs fresh thyme
- 3 Tbsp. Maytag Honey
- Pastry shells
- 2 Tbsp. slivered almonds
Directions
Heat grill to medium-high heat. Brush apricots with olive oil and sprinkle with salt. Grill cut-side down for 2-3 minutes, until caramelized.
In a mixing bowl, combine Maytag Blue Cheese, sour cream, and lemon juice until smooth. Chill until ready to use.
In a small saucepan, add honey & thyme sprigs and heat on low for 3-5 minutes. Remove from heat and steep until slightly cooled.
Spoon the whipped blue cheese into pastry shells. Add grilled apricots on top, drizzle with honey thyme glaze, and add slivered almonds.