Ingredients:
- 2 cups mixed fresh or frozen fruits (such as berries, chopped apples, peaches, or pears)
- 2-3 tablespoons sweetener of your choice (sugar, honey, maple syrup, etc.)
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional, for a touch of acidity)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
- Pinch of ground cinnamon (optional)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Fruits:
- If using larger fruits like apples or pears, peel and dice them into bite-sized pieces.
- If using berries, you can leave them whole or cut larger ones like strawberries into halves or quarters.
- Cook the Fruits:
- In a saucepan, combine the mixed fruits, sweetener, and lemon juice (if using). Stir to mix everything evenly.
- Simmer:
- Place the saucepan over medium-low heat. Let the mixture simmer gently, stirring occasionally. The fruits will release their juices and soften.
- Add Flavorings:
- If desired, add vanilla extract and a pinch of ground cinnamon to the mixture. These optional flavorings can enhance the taste of the compote.
- Adjust Sweetness:
- Taste the compote and adjust the sweetness if needed by adding more sweetener according to your preference.
- Cook to Desired Consistency:
- Continue to cook and simmer the mixture until the fruits are tender and the liquid has slightly thickened to a syrup-like consistency. This usually takes around 10-15 minutes, but the time can vary based on the fruits you’re using.
- Cool and Serve:
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the compote cool slightly. It will thicken a bit more as it cools.
- Serve:
- Serve the fruit compote warm or chilled, as a topping for yogurt, oatmeal, pancakes, waffles, ice cream, or as a standalone dessert.
- Storage:
- Store any leftover compote in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can be kept for several days and enjoyed as a sweet treat or topping.
