Apricots Poached with Kernels

• 450 g/1 lb fresh firm apricots
• 300 ml/½

Wash the apricots and cut them in half, removing the stones. Put the stones and apricot halves in a saucepan and add the water and the sugar. Bring up to the boil very slowly, allowing the sugar to melt before the water boils. Poach gently until the apricots are soft but not mushy. This may take as little as 10 minutes or as much as 30, depending on the ripeness of the fruit. Remove the stones