Turkish Poached Apricots Ricotta (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ Syrup Base

01 - 135 grams granulated sugar
02 - 445 milliliters hot water
03 - 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

→ Fruit and Filling

04 - 255 grams soft dried apricots
05 - 130 grams whole milk ricotta cheese
06 - 2 tablespoons finely chopped unsalted pistachios

# Instructions:

01 - Combine sugar and hot water in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Stir constantly until sugar is fully dissolved and mixture comes to a boil. Reduce to medium-low and allow to simmer.
02 - Add lemon juice, then dried apricots to the simmering syrup. Cook over medium-low heat for 20 minutes, allowing apricots to plump and the syrup to thicken. Remove from heat and cool completely.
03 - Once cooled, carefully open each apricot and use a small spoon to fill with ricotta, creating a generous amount in each. Arrange filled apricots on a deep serving platter.
04 - Ladle syrup around the stuffed apricots and garnish with chopped pistachios before serving.

# Notes:

01 - To create a vegan version, substitute the ricotta with 70 grams chopped walnuts for the filling.
02 - Poached apricots in syrup can be prepared 1 to 2 days in advance and stored refrigerated in a covered container.