Apricot Spread

ingredients

• 1/2 pound dried apricots (1 1/2 cups)
• 3/4 cup dry white wine
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 2 (3 inch) strips lemon zest
• 1 1/2 teaspoons dark rum

directions

Bring apricots, wine, water, sugar, zest, and a pinch of salt to a boil in a small heavy saucepan over medium-high heat, stirring until sugar has dissolved. Reduce heat and simmer, partially covered, stirring occasionally, until liquid is reduced and very syrupy and apricots are very soft, about 15 minutes (about 45 minutes if using Turkish apricots). (If apricots are not yet softened, pour in an additional 1/4 cup water and continue cooking.)

Remove from heat. Discard zest, then stir in rum. Transfer apricot mixture to a bowl and cool slightly, stirring occasionally, about 45 minutes.

Puree in a food processor until mixture is very smooth. Add water to puree if necessary to achieve a spreadable consistency.

Serve at room temperature or chilled.