Vanilla Poached Apricots

DIRECTIONS

• In a medium saucepan, stir sugar into water and wine.
• Slit vanilla bean open along the side and spread it apart exposing the tiny dot-like seeds.
• Cut the vanilla bean crosswise into several pieces and place them in the pan.
• Bring mixture to a boil, reduce heat to simmer, cover and cook 5 minutes.
• Add apricots; shake them to settle them into liquid.
• Heat just until mixture begins to boil.
• Apricots should be tender but not falling apart.
• Cook slightly longer if fruit is still firm.
• Using a slotted spoon, gently remove apricots, leaving liquid in pan.
• With cover off, reduce poaching liquid to about 1/2 cup.
• Remove and discard vanilla bean pieces.
• Pour concentrated syrup over apricots.
• Cool; chill if time permits before serving.