I associate compote with my maternal grandmother. It’s not that I have a specific recollection of her making it for me…but, somehow, when I think of compote I think of her, so there must be a connection somwewhere in the recesses of my childhood memories.
I think she would approve of my recipe.
I have to say at the start that I’m not a big fan of winter fruit, but I love this!
Hand-held winter fruit just doesn’t have the same appeal to me as grabbing a juicy black plum or a sweet peach and biting in. But…an apple or pear that is accompanied by a good cheese and a glass of wine…or has been baked, stewed or otherwise altered…well, then, now we’re talking.
| My Winter Fruit Compote |
|
Tips:
• I find no need to add sugar, syrup or other sweetner as the the dried fruits do a good job of sweetening and thickening.
• Many people use alcohol (generally red wine) as the braising liquid, but since I eat it mainly for breakfast this is the one time I cook with water.
• Refrigerate once it’s cooled down, but don’t eat it cold. Bring it either to room temperature or take the chill off in microwave.
Ideas for serving compote:
• as a side dish, especially with a pork loin or poultry (though here, I’d use wine!)
• for dessert (a little warm over a scoop of ice cream, mmm)
• but, mostly, I love it for breakfast.
The compote goes beautifully with ricotta or sour cream mixed with a dollop of whipped marscapone. Add black pepper and/or rosemary for interesting woody notes.
And about those pancake muffins…
Aren’t they cute? They’re just a ready made pumpkin pancake mix that I decided to bake so that I could have little bites to accompany the compote for a special treat. They came out light and fluffy and there was no need for syrup. I don’t think I’ll ever do a stack again.
I’d love to know what readers put in their compotes.
20 Comments
Subscribe to the Comments
Love dried fruit compotes, especially on top of Greek yogurt.
Peter recently posted..The Other Giouvarlakia
Delicious compote filled with holiday flavors. Bookmarked.
I am absolutely making this compote this season and serving it for BRUNCH with friends.
THANKS Joan for another wonderful and unique recipe. The star anise rocks!
chow! Devaki @ weavethousandflavors
Devaki @ weavethousandflavors recently posted..Waking up from Post Thanksgiving Haze ~ Asian style Stir-fry Cashew Chicken
Love the compote, but oh those muffins. What a great idea.
Penny recently posted..O OLIVE OIL and eRecipeCards Have Joined Forces For a Contest
I love the idea of the compote. I’m really sick of winter fruits right now after an entire winter in Argentina, and now an additional shot of chilly weather here in Philadelphia. I’ll be making a batch of this compote for sure.
Katie recently posted..Listen to Me on BA Cast
When I was a little girl, I hated compote..it was “old people” stuff..now I love it (maybe I’m getting old too??!!) For me, with mascarpone, please!
Thanks!
Cristina, from Buenos Aires to Paris recently posted..Mini – Panettone, for ©Menu Malbec….!
I have to save these recipes, love fruit and spice! Maybe make them for Christmas for my kids
Patricia Durr recently posted..Marky’s – International Food Emporium
I don’t know about your Grandmother but I certainly approve of your compote!
Sally – My Custard Pie recently posted..Mingling with custard
I adore compote…I also like the fact that you used no sugar. I love it at breakfast especially over Greek yoghurt.
The fruit compote sounds delicious and love it that it is sugar free as well. The only thing I would add is a hint of honey.
Mmmmm I can smell your kitchen from here!!! What a great dessert… I’ve never done it myself. I should try it your way
Nuria recently posted..Manzana rellena [Flickr]
Fruit compote is something I have heard of but not a part of my childhood memories. It is time to make new traditions.
I’m with you on the winter fruits. I love me some mangoes and peaches! But this compote looks really good. I’d serve it with goat and provolone cheeses and a glass of fruity wine. Yummy!
What a great idea about the pancake muffins! Love it! I don’t have a pancake mix, but I think I’ll create my own from scratch – thanks for the inspiration!
Jenn@slim-shoppin.com recently posted..Biggest Loser recap
Strangely enough I also have these memories of my mom when I see winter fruit compote. It was a staple growing up and I still make it. I love what you did with the pumpkin pancake mix – very creative.
giz recently posted..President’s Choice Holiday 2011
Hi Joan – I like the idea of your compote with a slice of cheese and a glass of red wine.
The pancake muffins are brilliant! I need to try that with my nephews!
LL
Lori Lynn recently posted..Japchae: Noodles for a Crowd
Your compote sounds fabulous, I love the addition of dried fruits. The pancake muffins are so neat!
MMMMMM,…That winter fruit compote looks amazing & must taste divine & your muffins look like real winners too!
Sophie recently posted..Joy Bauer’s Food cures book review & 2 recipes from her new book!
my dad is the one who makes compote out of any of the fruit that might not be 100% perfect to cook: great memories!
Well, you are so right about winter food is not as `sexy´as summer fruit. I also have to force myself and remind me I have to eat fruits during winter albeit your delicious fruit compote will be gladly incorporated to my breakie´s recipes.
Love all the other suggestions you share on how to enjoy compote. I would also use it as topping for french toasts!.
Heidi Leon recently posted..{eating out} La Cantine Vegetarianne – Aix en Provence, France
Trackbacks / Pingbacks
show trackbacks