SWEET SAVORY ESSENTIALS: FRUIT PUREE

Steps:

• PREP/PREPARE
• You will require a saucepan to make this recipe, and a way to store them until needed. In addition, you will need a good blender.
• Storage Of Homemade Condiments, Spices, and Sauces Because homemade spices and condiments do not contain any preservatives, it is important to store them properly. Non-reactive (glass) containers with tight-fitting lids are a must. If I am making a dry spice, I love to use old spice bottles that I have run through the dishwasher. If I am doing homemade sauces, I love using Weck jars. They are all glass, come in all sizes and shapes, and have excellent leakproof lids. If you shop online, you can go to Amazon, and type in "Weck Jars" and you will find a ton of them. Dry spices should be kept in a cool space, away from sunlight (spice cabinet), and sauces, in most cases, should be stored in the fridge. If properly stored, this puree should last 3 - 5 days in the fridge, and 6 - 8 months in the freezer.
• The Seeds Some fruits have more seeds than others, for example strawberries. I have a very good blender, so I usually puree the seeds along with the fruit. If you do not have a powerful enough blender, and you still have some seeds, or pulp in the puree, you can always run it though a fine-mesh strainer before storing. My Vitamix is amazing. I will wager it would puree a brick if you tossed one in :-) The Skin Smaller fruits like blueberries and cranberries I just cook and puree; however, larger fruits like apples, peaches, and the like, I remove the skins before cooking. And, in the case of apples, I remove the core, and with peaches I remove the stone. In addition, with larger fruits, you want to cut them into small pieces before cooking.
• Gather your ingredients (mise en place).
• Add the fruit, water, and a few drops of lemon juice, to a saucepan over medium-low heat. Then bring up to the lightest of simmers, with just a few bubbles breaking the surface.
• Simmer, stirring occasionally, for about 15 minutes.
• Remove from the heat, allow to cool, and then place into the bowl of your blender.
• Blend baby blend until the fruit is completely smooth.
• If you still have some seeds or pulp, you can always pass it though a fine-mesh sieve.
• Store in a proper container in the fridge or freezer until needed.
• PLATE/PRESENT
• Here are some ideas on how to use these fruit purees:
• Baked Goods: The most popular usage of fruit puree is baking. For example, you, you could replace half of the oil or butter with puree in baked goods such as cakes, cookies; even bread. It lowers the calories and enhances the flavor.
• Desserts: Puree can be used as a sugar substitute; especially, peach, strawberry, and apple purees. They cut down on your sugar intake, so they are healthier for you, and they have more nutritional value.
• Smoothies: Purees go great in your favorite smoothie drinks.
• Salads: Purees make for an excellent salad dressing. They taste great and add a nice visual appeal.
• Ice Cream: Although I primarily use purees as a recipe ingredient, let us not forget things like ice cream... Yummy.
• Cocktails: Swirl them into your drinks for a tasty, refreshing beverage.
• Add to Savory Dishes: Have some fun by adding purees to savory dishes. They work great in things like chili and other dishes. Experiment.
• Yogurt: They are great to perk up flavors of plain yogurts. Give it a try.
• Fish & Chicken: Purees are a game changer for things like a nice piece of fish, or chicken. So yummy.
• Keep the faith, and keep cooking.