Stone-Fruit Soup

Combine 6 cups water, apricots, peaches, sugar, cinnamon sticks and vanilla bean in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat and simmer until the fruit is tender, about 15 minutes.

Stir together cornstarch and the remaining 2 tablespoons water in a small dish. Add the cornstarch mixture to the simmering soup, stirring constantly until the soup thickens slightly. Remove from the heat and stir in cherries and lemon juice. Cover the pan and let the cherries plump for about 15 minutes. Remove the cinnamon sticks and vanilla bean before serving.