Caramelized Fruit

AP/Mollie Katzen's "Sunlight Cafe" (Hyperion, 2002)
Published: Monday, Jan. 31, 2005 3:38 p.m. MST

Desserts > Fruit > Caramelized Fruit

Ingredients

Preparation 20 minutes


Directions

1/2 to 3/4 pound fresh fruit (apples, pears, apricots and pineapple are nice)

1 to 2 teaspoons unsalted butter

1 tablespoon vinegar (raspberry, cider or balsamic)

3/4 to 1 teaspoon sugar

1/4 cup orange juice

Lemon or lime wedges

Leaving the peels on, cut the fruit into thick slices.

Heat a medium skillet over a medium flame for 1 minute. Add the butter and swirl to coat the pan.

Reduce heat to medium-low. Place the fruit skin-side down in the melted butter and cook for about 5 minutes, or until it softens slightly. Turn the fruit with a spatula and gently press down. Drizzle with vinegar and cook another 3 minutes.

Sprinkle the fruit with sugar and cook until the sugar melts.

If desired, place the pan under a preheated broiler for 3 to 5 minutes, or until the sugar turns golden. Be sure to check the fruit every minute after the first 3 minutes to prevent burning.

Remove the pan from the heat and transfer the fruit to a plate with a rim. Pour the orange juice in the pan and stir to deglaze any sugar. Spoon this syrup over the fruit. Makes 2 to 3 servings.