Mary Berry Apricots In Brandy Recipe

This Mary Berry Apricots In Brandy Recipe is a luscious and spiced recipe, which features dried apricots and star anise. It’s the perfect homemade edible gift, ready in about 30 minutes (plus cooling time).

Jump to Recipe

Mary Berry Apricots In Brandy Recipe Ingredients

• 600ml (20fl oz) water
• 500g (1lb 2oz) whole soft ready-to-eat dried apricots
• 350g (12oz) granulated sugar
• 150ml (¼ pint) brandy
• 3 bay leaves
• 5 star anise

How To Make Mary Berry Apricots In Brandy Recipe

1. Simmer the fruit: Pour the water into a medium saucepan. Add the dried apricots and bring the liquid to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, cover the pan with a lid, lower the heat, and simmer gently for about 15 minutes. You want the apricots to become very soft and plump, and the water should reduce significantly to about 200ml (⅓ pint).
2. Make the syrup: Remove the lid. Add the granulated sugar to the pan with the apricots. Stir well until the sugar dissolves. Bring the mixture back to a boil, then simmer for 2–3 minutes to create a glossy syrup.
3. Add the alcohol: Remove the pan from the heat and let it cool slightly for a minute or two (so the alcohol doesn’t evaporate instantly). Stir in the brandy.
4. Prepare the jars: While the fruit is cooking, ensure your jars are clean and sterilized. Place the bay leaves and star anise directly into the jars. (Dividing them evenly if using multiple jars).
5. Fill and seal: Spoon the hot apricots into the jars. Pour the remaining brandy syrup over the fruit, ensuring the apricots are completely covered by the liquid. Seal the jars immediately with lids and leave to cool completely.
6. Finish: Once cool, wipe the jars clean. Tie a ribbon on the jar and add a Christmas gift label if you like.

Recipe Tips

• Use “Ready-to-Eat” Apricots: Mary specifies using “whole soft ready-to-eat” dried apricots. These are partially rehydrated and much softer than the rock-hard dried apricots you might find in bulk bins. If you use the harder type, you will need to simmer them much longer in step 1.
• Sterilizing Jars: To ensure your gift keeps well, wash jars in hot soapy water, rinse, and place them in a 140°C oven for 10-15 minutes to dry and sterilize. Fill them while they are still warm.
• Let it Mature: While you can eat these after cooling, the flavor improves significantly if you let the jars sit for at least a week (or up to a month) before opening. This allows the brandy and star anise to fully permeate the fruit.
• The Spices: The bay leaves and star anise add a subtle, sophisticated aromatic note that makes this recipe special. Don’t skip them! They also look beautiful floating in the jar.
• Syrup Consistency: The sugar is added after the apricots are soft. If you boil fruit in heavy sugar syrup from the start, the skins can toughen. Follow the order of ingredients carefully.

What To Serve With Mary Berry Apricots In Brandy Recipe

These boozy fruits are incredibly versatile.

• Ice Cream: Spoon warm apricots and syrup over vanilla ice cream.
• Cheese Board: A perfect partner for sharp cheddar or creamy brie.
• Pudding: Serve alongside a panna cotta or rice pudding.
• Gift: The primary purpose is often as a beautiful homemade Christmas gift.

How To Store Mary Berry Apricots In Brandy Recipe

• Cool Dark Place: Once sealed and cooled, store the jars in a cool, dark cupboard. They will keep for several months (thanks to the sugar and alcohol).
• Refrigerate: Once opened, the jar must be stored in the refrigerator and consumed within 1 month.
• Freeze: Freezing is not recommended or necessary for this preserve.

Mary Berry Apricots In Brandy Recipe Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 180
• Total Fat: 0g
• Saturated Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Sodium: 5mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 40g
• Dietary Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 38g
• Protein: 1g

Nutrition information is estimated per serving (approx 3-4 apricots with syrup).

FAQs

Try More Recipes:

• Mary Berry Gluten Free Canapés Recipe
• Mary Berry Chicken Tagine​ Recipe
• Mary Berry Ginger Flapjacks​ Recipe