Fruit Butters Make Breakfast Delicious

Vegetarian diet specialist Marie Oser shares delicious recipes for fruit butters that are a healthy alternative to butter for regular morning toast. They are fat-free, cholesterol-free and sugar-free.

Apricot Butter

Ingredients:

1-1/2 cups dried apricots
1-1/2 cups apple juice

Preparation:

Bring the fruit and juice to a boil in a saucepan and then simmer for 25 minutes. Spoon the mixture into a blender and blend for about 30 seconds until it is smooth.

* Note: the butter should keep for about two weeks in the refrigerator.

Orange Pear Blossom Butter

Ingredients:

16 oz. dried pears in quartered pieces
1/3 cup orange juice
1-1/2 cup spicy apple cider
1 tsp. orange blossom water (found in gourmet or Middle Eastern stores)

Preparation:

Bring the fruit and juices to a boil in a large saucepan and simmer for 25 minutes. Spoon the mixture into a blender and whir until smooth, about 30 seconds.

Pineapple Apricot Butter

Ingredients:

1-1/2 cups dried apricots
2/3 cup dried pineapple
1-1/2 cups spicy apple cider

Preparation:

Chop the fruit and add it to the cider in a large saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil and simmer for 25 minutes. Purée in a blender until smooth.