12 Creative Ways To Use Dried Fruit In Your Cooking - Tasting Table

"Although dried fruit is often associated with trail mix and oatmeal, it's actually an incredibly versatile food that can pack quite a bit of flavor and nutrients into small chewy bites. It's notorious for being concentrated with sweet and sometimes tangy flavors, a sticky, gummy texture, and often served in snack foods or desserts. The truth is that these little flavor bombs can certainly accompany savory dishes as well, offering balance and variety of texture."

"As a recipe designer and chef, my goal is to create recipes that are accessible and unique. Ingredients you can actually get your hands on are essential, but that doesn't mean you have to use them in a typical way. If you've never considered blending dried tart cherries into a sweet and tangy duck sauce to counter the strong umami, or tossing them into a spiced and herbed savory rice dish, then it's time you added a little sweetness into your life."

"Roasted poultry, especially gamey birds, can carry rich and meaty flavors. The undertones are often mellow, juicy, savory, and salty. To create balance, folks will often use herbs, spices, and sauces to round out the flavor of the dish. In some cases, dried fruit can do just that. I especially like to consider pairing prunes with gamey poultry, because of the honey-like sweetness, along with an earthy and ever-so-slightly tart kick."

Dried fruit offers concentrated sweet and tangy flavors, sticky gummy textures, and long shelf life, making it a versatile pantry ingredient. Small chewy bites deliver nutrients and intense flavor that can enhance snacks, desserts, and savory dishes alike. Dried fruit pairs well with gamey meats, strong umami components, and refreshing salads, and can be soaked, blended, chopped, or added whole to create balance and texture. Tart cherries can be blended into sweet-tangy duck sauces or tucked into spiced, herbed savory rice for contrast. Prunes work especially well with roasted poultry because their honey-like sweetness and subtle tartness counter rich, meaty flavors.

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