Apricot Orange Syrup with Amaretto

¾ pound very ripe fresh apricots, pitted and halved

½ cup white sugar

½ teaspoon vanilla extract

½ cup orange juice

1 tablespoon amaretto liqueur

1 tablespoon water, if needed

½ teaspoon cornstarch

¼ cup water

Mix together the apricots, sugar, vanilla extract, orange juice, and amaretto liqueur in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring until the sugar has dissolved. Bring to a boil, and cook, stirring constantly, until the apricots are soft and have started to release their juice, about 5 minutes. Reduce heat to low, and simmer until the apricots have broken down, about 1 1/2 hour. If mixture is too thick or begins to burn, stir in 1 tablespoon of water and mix well.

Stir cornstarch into 1/4 cup water, and pour into the apricot mixture. Bring to a boil, and simmer until the mixture forms a thick syrup, about 30 more minutes.