Poached Apricot Halves

In a 4-to-5-quart pot over medium heat, combine 4 cups water with sugar, lemon peel, ginger, cardamom, and vanilla scrapings. Bring mixture to a boil. Cook until sugar dissolves, and then reduce the heat to low. Simmer, uncovered, until the liquid has thickened slightly, about 10 minutes.

Add apricots to pan. Rinse a double thickness of cheesecloth under cold water, and drape it over apricots so all the fruit is covered by the cloth and submerged in liquid.

Continue simmering until apricots soften slightly, 2 to 4 minutes. Remove from heat, and let cool completely. Use immediately, or transfer apricots and poaching liquid to a storage container. Make sure the apricots are completely submerged in liquid. Refrigerate until ready to use, up to 4 days.