*Dried Apricots in Cardamom Syrup*
Makes about 2 cups These are fabulous served cold with dollops of thick plain yogurt, or baked into pies, tarts, crumbles and cakes. 500ml cold water (2 1/2 cups) 76g caster sugar (1/3 cup) the juice of 1/2 lemon the zest of 1/2 lemon 1 TBS Limencello (optional) 10 green cardamom pods, bruised 1 vanilla pod, halved and then split in half lengthwise 250g dried whole apricots (1 2/3 cups) Place the water, sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest, cardamom pods, vanilla and Limencello (if using) into a medium saucepan. Bring to the boil and then simmer at a fast simmer for 5 minutes. Add the apricots and then reduce to the lowest flame and simmer gently for 2 minutes. Remove from the heat and set aside for five hours to plump up the apricots. Transfer to sterile jars and store in the refrigerator. Leave for several days prior to using if possible. Discard the cardamom pods before serving or using. |