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.

　　

Ingredients

Makes 4 servings

　　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

　　

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.