Spiced Cranberry Apple Ginger Delight
This Spiced Cranberry Apple Ginger Delight is a comforting and zesty compote that balances sweet and tart flavors with a hint of warmth from ginger. Perfect for chilly mornings or as a delicious topping for vanilla ice cream, yogurt, or oatmeal, this vibrant compote not only satisfies your palate but also lends a touch of wellness during those sniffly days. The fusion of tart cranberries, crisp Granny Smith apples, and aromatic spices creates a delightful dish that can be enjoyed warm or cold, making it a versatile addition to your breakfast table or dessert spread.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Cranberries
12 ounces (rinsed)
Granny Smith apple
1 lb (chopped)
Fresh ginger
1 teaspoon (or 1 tablespoon for extra spice) (finely grated)
Clementine juice
1 cup (or from 4-6 clementines)
Water
3 cups (or as needed)
Sugar
1 1/4 cups
Salt
1 pinch
Whole cinnamon stick
1
Instructions
1
If you’re using fresh clementines, begin by peeling and seeding around 4 to 6 clementines and place them in a blender. Blend on low speed until the juice is extracted, then strain the juice, if desired, and set aside. If you have clementine juice, simply measure out one cup and skip to the next step.
2
In a medium saucepan, combine clementine juice, water, sugar, and salt. Stir well to mix the ingredients thoroughly.
3
Add the rinsed cranberries, chopped Granny Smith apples, and grated ginger to the saucepan. Stir gently to ensure even distribution of the ingredients.
4
Introduce a whole cinnamon stick to the mixture, and stir gently to incorporate.
5
Set the heat to medium and cover the saucepan. Allow the mixture to simmer, stirring occasionally, until the fruit becomes soft and the cranberries have burst open, approximately 30 minutes. If the water evaporates too quickly before the fruit is soft, add extra water as needed.
6
Once the fruit is soft, uncover the pot and reduce the heat slightly. Let it simmer uncovered, stirring frequently for about 10-15 minutes, until the compote thickens to your desired consistency. Keep a close eye on it during this stage to prevent burning.
7
Remove the saucepan from heat and allow the compote to cool slightly. Carefully remove the whole cinnamon stick before serving. The compote can be enjoyed warm or chilled for later use. Serve over yogurt, oatmeal, or cake, or even with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Spiced Cranberry Apple Ginger Delight?
It is a comforting and zesty fruit compote that balances sweet and tart flavors with a hint of warmth from ginger and cinnamon.
How can I serve this compote?
It is a versatile topping that can be served over yogurt, oatmeal, vanilla ice cream, or cake.
What kind of apples are recommended for this recipe?
Granny Smith apples are recommended because they are crisp and provide a nice tartness that complements the cranberries.
Can I use bottled clementine juice?
Yes, if you do not have fresh clementines, you can simply measure out one cup of prepared clementine juice.
How do I juice fresh clementines for this recipe?
Peel and seed 4 to 6 clementines, blend them on low speed, and then strain the juice.
Is this compote served warm or cold?
This dish is versatile and can be enjoyed either warm or chilled.
How long does it take to cook the compote?
The initial simmering takes about 30 minutes, followed by another 10-15 minutes of thickening for a total of approximately 45 minutes.
What if the water evaporates before the fruit is soft?
If the water evaporates too quickly, simply add extra water as needed to ensure the fruit softens properly.
How much ginger should I add?
Use one teaspoon of finely grated fresh ginger for a standard flavor, or up to one tablespoon if you prefer extra spice.
What should I do with the cinnamon stick after cooking?
Carefully remove the whole cinnamon stick from the saucepan before serving the compote.
Can I use frozen cranberries?
Yes, frozen cranberries can be used as long as they are rinsed before being added to the saucepan.
How do I thicken the compote?
Uncover the pot and reduce the heat slightly, then simmer for 10-15 minutes while stirring frequently until it reaches your desired consistency.
Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
Yes, all ingredients listed including fruit, juice, sugar, and spices are plant-based and vegan-friendly.
Does this recipe contain gluten?
No, this recipe is naturally gluten-free.
Why is ginger used in this recipe?
Ginger adds a hint of warmth and aromatic spice, and it is also noted for providing a touch of wellness during cold days.
Should the apples be peeled?
The recipe calls for chopped apples; whether you peel them is a matter of personal preference for texture.
How much sugar is in the recipe?
The recipe uses 1 and 1/4 cups of sugar to balance the tartness of the cranberries.
Can I use ground cinnamon instead of a stick?
A cinnamon stick is used for a clear, infused flavor, but you can substitute ground cinnamon if necessary, though it may change the appearance of the compote.
How do I know when the cranberries are cooked?
The cranberries are done when they have burst open and become soft.
What heat setting should I use for simmering?
The mixture should be simmered on medium heat while covered, then reduced slightly when thickening uncovered.
Is there salt in this recipe?
Yes, a single pinch of salt is added to help balance the sweetness and acidity of the fruit.
How many clementines are needed for one cup of juice?
It typically takes between 4 and 6 clementines to produce one cup of fresh juice.
Is this recipe good for breakfast?
Yes, it is a delightful addition to breakfast tables, particularly as a topping for oatmeal or yogurt.
What is the role of clementine juice?
The juice provides a citrusy base that enhances the brightness of the cranberries and apples.
How do I prevent the compote from burning during the thickening stage?
Keep a close eye on the pot and stir frequently during the last 10-15 minutes of cooking.
Is this a seasonal dish?
While it can be made year-round, its ingredients and warm spices make it a popular choice for fall and winter.
Can I make this recipe more spicy?
Yes, by increasing the grated fresh ginger to one tablespoon, you can add an extra kick of spice.
What should the consistency of the final product be?
It should be a thick, jam-like compote with soft fruit pieces.
Do I need to stir the mixture while it is covered?
Yes, you should stir it occasionally even while covered to ensure even cooking.
Can this be used as a dessert topping?
Absolutely, it is recommended for use on vanilla ice cream or cake for a delightful dessert experience.