Vanilla-Poached Apricots with Zabaglione

Delicate apricots poached in a vanilla-infused syrup, served with a light and airy Italian zabaglione sauce made with egg yolks and white wine. A sophisticated and elegant dessert that perfectly balances sweet and fruity flavors.

6 servings
1 hr 55 min

Ingredients

  • ½ pod vanilla bean
  • cups water
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 3 strips lemon zest
  • teaspoon salt
  • pounds apricots
  • 3 large egg yolks
  • cup sugar
  • 2 tablespoons dry white wine

Cooking Instructions

  1. 1.

    Scrape seeds from vanilla bean into a 2-quart saucepan, then add pod, water, sugar, zest, and salt. Bring to a boil, uncovered, over high heat, then boil 1 minute.

    5 min

  2. 2.

    Carefully add apricots, then reduce heat and poach at a bare simmer, turning over once, until fruit is tender but still holds its shape and skins are still intact, 2 to 6 minutes. Transfer apricots and syrup to a large shallow bowl and cool to room temperature, about 1 1/2 hours.

    96 min

  3. 3.

    Beat together yolks, sugar, and wine in a deep 4-quart metal bowl with a handheld electric mixer at medium speed or whisk vigorously until combined well.

    3 min

  4. 4.

    Set bowl over a 4-quart pot of barely simmering water and beat mixture until tripled in volume, 5 to 6 minutes.

    6 min

  5. 5.

    Spoon 2 or 3 apricot halves into each of 6 glasses and top with zabaglione. Serve immediately.

    5 min