Poached Apricots in Vanilla-Thyme Syrup with Crème Fraîche
When buying fresh apricots, look for fruit that is plump, fragrant, and gives a little when squeezed. Poaching time depends on the ripeness of the fruit.
Recipe information
Yield
Makes 4 servings
Ingredients
1 vanilla bean, halved lengthwise
3 cups water
2 cups sugar
5 (3- by 3/4-inch) strips fresh lemon zest
2 large sprigs fresh thyme
10 fresh apricots, halved and pitted (1 3/4 pound)
Accompaniment: crème fraîche
Preparation
Step 1
Scrape seeds from vanilla bean with tip of a sharp knife into a 2-quart saucepan and add pod, water, sugar, zest, and thyme sprigs. Bring to a boil, stirring until sugar is dissolved, then add apricots and simmer, stirring once or twice, until tender, 2 to 6 minutes (depending on ripeness).
Step 2
Spoon syrup over warm apricots in bowls and top with dollops of crème fraîche.
