Growing up in the Valley of Heart's Delight (now Silicon Valley) we were surrounded by acres upon acres of apricot orchards. I remember my older siblings would carry a small sharp knife to "pit cots" at the orchards during the Summer months before they were laid out on wooden trays to dry.

Spanish missionaries are credited with introducing the stone fruit to California which produces 75-90 percent of the apricots grown in the United States. For a full historical account read Robin Chapman's California Apricots: The Lost Orchards of Silicon Valley

Although, I am no longer surrounded by orchards, I still get my fix from my friend "Farmer George" who I call the last living farmer in Silicon Valley. His grandparents immigrated from Yugoslavia to the USA and they are now going on the 4th generation working Novakovich Orchards in Saratoga, CA. During Christmas & Valentines' they make an incredible mouth-watering apricot turtle with a dried Blenheim apricot, caramel and a pecan all dipped in rich chocolate. It is absolute heaven!

Of course there is nothing like biting into a juicy fresh apricot. All varieties do not ship well because they are so delicate and are only available in California, so we are a bit spoiled here. I was going to start naming all of the ways I eat apricots, like Bubba from Forrest Gump did about shrimp, but I stopped myself. Although, did I mention the apricot pie from Gizdich Farms or jam from Innas? Y-U-M!

If you want an impressive list of ways to eat apricots look no further than local author, Lisa Newman's "For the Love of Apricots". This book is both a homage to apricots and a cookbook with 60 fabulous recipes from morning breakfast to evening cocktails. Below is a sneak peek with her scrumptious Crumb Top Apricot Pie recipe.

Speaking of apricots, next weekend the last Farmworker Caravan of 2021 will be headed to San Benito County which grows the majority of California's apricots on Saturday, October 2nd. Following the donation drop-off we will be having our not-to-be-missed Gracias Celebration at a private estate with the ultimate 5,000 sq. ft. man cave surrounded by (you guessed it) apricot orchards. Bishop Oscar Cantu will be coming with us and we are partnering with the Electric Auto Association for National Drive Electric Week.

So you're asking, "What does Brian Setzer from the Stray Cats & BSO have to do with our Gracias Celebration?" Well, a gracious donor has invited us to have the celebration at his estate which boasts a 5,000 sq. ft. custom-built man cave that holds an impressive collection of classic cars including the '32 Ford hot rod previously owned by Setzer and featured in his music video. Guests will also be able to play in the arcade, listen to music and feast on a scrumptious BBQ lunch surrounded by an Apricot and Walnut Orchard. RSVP as soon as possible as we have limited parking available.

2 pounds fresh, ripe apricots (about 6 cups, halved and pitted)

1/4 cup all-purpose flour

1 cup sugar

1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted

3/4 cup packed brown sugar

3/4 cup all-purpose flour

1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg

Dash of fine sea salt

Copyright © 2018 by Lisa Prince Newman

Excerpt from “For the Love of Apricots: Recipes and Memories of the Santa Clara Valley”

Photo: Jessica Yager

Local owners will display their Electric Vehicles, share their personal experiences and answer questions of the many benefits of owning all-electric and plug-in hybrid cars, trucks, motorcycles, and more.