When the first apricots come in, it’s a glorious indication of more to come. The pairing of apricots and almonds is delicate and beautiful, while the thyme in the syrup is gentle enough not to overpower the dish, but just enough to get you smiling. Make this for friends who want a lighter end to dinner. It’s really important to taste the apricots before you poach them, and again afterwards: fruit varies in sweetness and flavour, so adjust the sugar levels in the syrup accordingly.