Turkish Poached Apricots Delight (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ Syrup

01 - 2/3 cup granulated sugar
02 - 2 scant cups (15 oz) hot water
03 - 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

→ Apricots

04 - 9 ounces soft dried apricots
05 - 4 1/2 ounces (heaping 1/2 cup) whole milk ricotta
06 - 2 tablespoons finely chopped unsalted pistachios

# Instructions:

01 - In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, stir together the sugar and hot water. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly until the sugar dissolves. Reduce heat to medium-low and allow to simmer.
02 - Stir in the lemon juice followed by the dried apricots. Poach for 20 minutes over medium-low heat until the apricots plump up and the syrup slightly thickens with infused apricot fragrance. Turn off the heat and let cool completely.
03 - Once the apricots have cooled, gently open the split in each apricot. Use small spoons to stuff each with ricotta until slightly overfilled. Arrange the stuffed apricots on a large, deep serving platter.
04 - Spoon the syrup around the poached apricots and sprinkle with finely chopped pistachios. Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve.

# Notes:

01 - To make the dessert vegan, use 2/3 cup chopped walnuts instead of ricotta for stuffing the apricots.
02 - You can prepare the poached apricots up to 2 days in advance. Once cool, store in a covered container in the refrigerator.
03 - Leftover syrup can be served as a refreshing drink with soda water, ice cubes, and fresh mint.