Thoroughly wash your apricots and slice them into quarters. Be sure to remove their pits.
On medium to low heat, add the apricots to your saucepan along with the water, sugar, vanilla and lemon juice. Bring to a boil, then turn the heat down to low.
Simmer for about 25 minutes, or until the mixture is thickened and the fruit has burst.
Pour into your mason jar and let it come to room temperature before placing it in the fridge. You can enjoy right away, or let it set overnight in the fridge to thicken a bit more.
Notes
You can use regular sugar if you down have cane sugar.
This recipe also works great with peaches!
Since it's a preserve and not a jam or marmalade, letting it set for 2 days isn't necessary, but if you want it a little thicker, pop it in the fridge overnight and enjoy then next day.
Once the jar has been opened, it's good for up to 3 months in the fridge.