Warm Seasonal Fruit Medley Compote
This delightful Warm Seasonal Fruit Medley Compote is a traditional dish often enjoyed during Passover, but its vibrant flavors and comforting warmth make it perfect for any occasion throughout the year. The combination of dried apricots, peaches, and pear halves create a luxuriously sweet and tangy dessert that brightens any table. Complemented by the citrusy notes from fresh lemon and orange juice, as well as the warm spices of cinnamon, this compote not only pleases the palate but also helps balance the heaviness of matzo typically consumed during the holiday. With optional additions like slivered almonds and brandy, each serving becomes a unique, gourmet treat that is sure to impress family and friends.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Dried apricots
8 ounces (Chopped into bite-sized pieces)
Dried peaches
8 ounces (Chopped into bite-sized pieces)
Dried pear halves
8 ounces (Chopped into bite-sized pieces)
Golden raisins
1/2 cup (No preparation needed)
Sugar
1 cup (optional) (To taste)
Cinnamon stick
1 (No preparation needed)
Lemon
1 (Juice only)
Orange
1 (Juice and zest)
Ready-made orange juice
1 cup (No preparation needed)
Cold water
3 cups (No preparation needed)
Blanched slivered almonds
1/2 cup (optional) (For garnish)
Brandy
1/4 cup (optional) (To stir in at the end)
Instructions
1
Begin by cutting the dried apricots, peaches, and pear halves into bite-sized pieces for ease of consumption, although whole pieces can also be used for a presentation advantage.
2
In a large pot, combine the prepared dried fruits with golden raisins, sugar (if using), and a cinnamon stick.
3
Add the freshly squeezed lemon juice, orange juice, and orange zest to the pot, followed by 1 cup of ready-made orange juice and 3 cups of cold water.
4
Cover the pot and bring the mixture to a vigorous boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a low simmer and let the mixture cook gently for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the dried fruits are tender and have absorbed the flavorful liquids.
5
While cooking, make sure to periodically check on the mixture to ensure it does not become too thick. If needed, add extra orange juice or water to maintain a desirable consistency.
6
Once the fruits are soft, remove the pot from heat. Stir in the optional brandy for added depth of flavor.
7
Allow the compote to cool for at least 2 hours to let the flavors meld and the fruits soak up the juices.
8
Cover the cooled compote and refrigerate until ready to serve. This dish can be enjoyed chilled, but serving it warm is highly recommended for a cozy experience.
9
For an elegant presentation, serve warm and garnish with slivered almonds before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Warm Seasonal Fruit Medley Compote?
It is a traditional dessert made by simmering dried apricots, peaches, and pear halves with citrus juices and warm spices, resulting in a sweet and tangy treat.
Is this fruit compote suitable for Passover?
Yes, this dish is a traditional choice for Passover as it helps balance the heaviness of matzo consumed during the holiday.
What dried fruits are used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 8 ounces each of dried apricots, dried peaches, and dried pear halves, along with 1/2 cup of golden raisins.
Should the dried fruit be chopped?
The recipe suggests cutting the fruit into bite-sized pieces for ease of consumption, though whole pieces can be used for a better presentation.
Is the sugar in the compote mandatory?
No, the 1 cup of sugar is optional and can be adjusted to your personal taste preference.
What spices give the compote its warm flavor?
One cinnamon stick is included in the mixture to provide a warm, aromatic spice profile.
What citrus juices are needed?
The recipe uses fresh lemon juice, fresh orange juice, orange zest, and 1 cup of ready-made orange juice.
How much water is added to the pot?
You should add 3 cups of cold water to the mixture before boiling.
How long does the compote need to cook?
The mixture should simmer gently for 25 to 30 minutes until the fruits are tender.
At what heat level should I start the cooking process?
Begin by bringing the covered pot to a vigorous boil over high heat before reducing to a low simmer.
How do I know when the fruit is done?
The fruits are finished when they are soft, tender, and have absorbed the flavorful liquids.
What should I do if the compote gets too thick while simmering?
If the mixture thickens too much, you can add extra orange juice or water to maintain the desired consistency.
Can I add alcohol to this recipe?
Yes, you can stir in 1/4 cup of optional brandy after removing the pot from the heat for added depth of flavor.
How long should the compote cool before serving?
Allow the dish to cool for at least 2 hours to let the flavors meld and the fruits soak up the juices.
Should this compote be served warm or cold?
While it can be served chilled from the refrigerator, serving it warm is highly recommended for a cozy experience.
What is a recommended garnish for the compote?
Garnishing with 1/2 cup of blanched slivered almonds adds an elegant touch and extra texture.
How many ingredients are in the Warm Seasonal Fruit Medley Compote?
There are 12 ingredients in total, including optional items like sugar, almonds, and brandy.
Does the recipe include orange zest?
Yes, the juice and zest of one orange are used to enhance the citrus notes.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, the compote can be refrigerated until ready to serve, making it an excellent make-ahead dessert.
Is this recipe vegan-friendly?
Yes, the recipe consists of fruit, juices, sugar, spices, and nuts, making it suitable for a vegan diet.
What kind of raisins should I use?
The recipe specifically calls for 1/2 cup of golden raisins.
What is the preparation for the lemon?
You only need to use the juice of one lemon.
Why is the cooling period important?
The 2-hour cooling period allows the fruit to fully absorb the liquids and the flavors to meld together.
Can I use tap water for the 3 cups of water?
The recipe specifies 3 cups of cold water, so tap water is perfectly fine.
What type of almonds should be used for garnish?
Blanched slivered almonds are recommended for the best presentation.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
The raw data does not specify a serving count, but it uses 24 ounces of dried fruit plus liquids, making a large batch.
Is this dish only for Passover?
While traditional for Passover, its vibrant flavors make it perfect for any occasion throughout the year.
Does the pot need to be covered while boiling?
Yes, the instructions state to cover the pot when bringing the mixture to a vigorous boil.
What is the flavor profile of this compote?
It is described as a luxuriously sweet and tangy dessert with citrus notes and warm spice.
When do I add the slivered almonds?
The slivered almonds should be added as a garnish just before serving the warm compote.