- 10 fresh apricots, pitted and halved
- 1 lemon, zest cut off in 1/2-inch-wide strips
- 3/4 cup white sugar
- 6 cups water
- 2 drops vanilla extract
- Stir together the apricots, lemon zest, sugar, water, and vanilla extract in a saucepan until the sugar has dissolved. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, and simmer gently until the apricots are soft and the compote has thickened, 40 to 50 minutes. Chill in refrigerator before serving.