Imagine apple pie. Are you still there? You can stop day dreaming about pie now because... this compote might be better.
Isn't the best part of apple pie the filling? Ok, who am I kidding! It's the buttery crust too. But, let's not deny, the delicious warm flavor of the sweet apples is a little piece of heaven itself.
I can assure you this compote is a heck of a lot easier to make than pie and is certainly a healthier option.
I combine juicy chunks of sweet apples with fresh figs (but you could use dried as well), dates, warm autumn spices and just a bit of apple cider. Yes, apple cider (yum)!! It only takes about 15-20 minutes for the fruit to break down and natural sugars to release from the fruit. As an added bonus, your house will smell amazing while you make this.
The compote is a wonderful fruity topping for dessert or cakes. It's so delicious over ice cream, yogurt and even in oatmeal!
And here's a tip... you can make this ahead of time and serve it at a dinner party or even for Thanksgiving next week. When you're ready for dessert, just warm the compote in a saucepan or microwave. Place some ice cream into small ramekins and top with the compote and some sliced almonds, granola, whip cream or all the above!
Wishing you and your family a very safe, healthy and Happy Thanksgiving!
Apple, Fig and Date Compote
Ingredients
- 2 golden delicious apples sliced into small chunks *you can remove the skins of the apples if you choose
- 2 red apples like fuji macintosh or gala sliced into small chunks
- 6-8 dried dates
- 4-6 fresh figs depending on size quartered or if you can't find fresh, use a handful of dried
- ½ cup apple cider
- juice from ½ lemon
- 2 star anise
- 2 sticks cinnamon
Instructions
- Toss the apples with the lemon juice in a medium size saucepan.
- Add remaining ingredients to the pot.
- Bring to a boil, then turn the heat down to a simmer for about 10 minutes.
- Begin to break up the chunks with a wooden spoon.
- Simmer another 10 minutes.
- Remove spices.
- Allow to cool slightly before serving.
- Cool completely before refrigerating in an jar or container.
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