Dried-Fruit Chow Chow

• Recipe by Grace Parisi

Chow chow is a mustard-based vegetable relish. In this sensational sweet-spicy variation, Grace Parisi substitutes dried apricots and cherries for the vegetables and adds apricot jam and grainy mustard.

Ingredients

1. 1 cup coarsely chopped mixed dried fruit, such as cherries, golden raisins and apricots (4 ounces)
2. 1/4 cup cider vinegar
3. 1/2 cup water
4. 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
5. 1 medium onion, finely chopped
6. 1/4 cup apricot jam
7. 2 tablespoons grainy mustard
8. Salt and freshly ground pepper

Directions

1. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the dried fruit with the vinegar and water. Cover and microwave at high power for 1 minute, until the dried fruit is softened and plump.
2. In a saucepan, melt the butter. Add the onion and cook over moderately high heat, stirring, until softened, 4 minutes. Add the jam; cook until melted and sizzling. Add the dried fruit and its liquid; bring to a boil. Simmer over moderately low heat, stirring, until thickened, 5 minutes. Remove from the heat and stir in the mustard. Season with salt and pepper. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Make Ahead

The chow chow can be refrigerated for 1 week.

Serve With

Chicken, pork, duck, steak, sausages.