Ingredients

• 1/2# (1 1/4 c.) dried whole apricots
• 1 1/2 c. sugar
• 2 c. water

• 2 t. lemon juice
• 8 oz. soft cream cheese or marscapone cheese
• 1/2 chopped, unsalted pistachios (opt.)

Directions

1. Rehydrate apricots in water to cover, 4 hours or overnight; drain.
2. Simmer water and sugar until thickened slightly, about 10 min.
3. Add apricots.
4. Simmer until tender, about 20 min.
5. Stir in lemon juice and simmer 1 min. longer.
6. Remove apricots with slotted spoon.
7. Cool to room temperature.
8. Continue to simmer liquid to syrup consistency, 5-10 min.
9. Spoon portion of cream cheese into opening of each apricot.
10. Arrange on platter.
11. Drizzle 2-3 T. of syrup on apricots and refrigerate until syrup sets.
12. Sprinkle with pistachios and serve.