Gingerbread With Dried Fig Apricot And Cherry Compote Recipes

SWEET DRIED FRUIT COMPOTE

Steps:

• Combine 2 cups of the water with the dried fruit in a large bowl. Let soak for 1 hour.
• In a small saucepan, combine the remaining 2 cups of water, orange juice, sugar, and lemon zest over medium-high heat. Add the fruit and the soaking liquid to the pan. Bring to a boil, stirring occasionally. Reduce the heat to medium-low and add the cinnamon and clove. Simmer 40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the fruit has softened and the mixture has thickened. Remove from the heat and set aside to cool. Serve warm or cold.
• Cook's Note: If using store bought dried fruit, chop the pieces into 1/2-inch chunks and simmer the mixture an additional 15 to 20 minutes.

DRIED FRUIT COMPOTE

Steps:

• Combine the prunes, apricots, cherries, cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, and salt in a saucepan and add water to cover. Soak overnight, if possible, or for a few hours before cooking.
• Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, then lower the heat and gently simmer for about 1 hour, until the fruit is very, very soft and the liquid is syrupy. Stir in the lemon juice and remove from the heat. Remove and discard the cinnamon sticks.
• Goes with Best Oatmeal Ever (page 128), Creamy Millet (page 136), and Creamiest Buckwheat (page 138).
• You can use dried apples, pears, figs, or any combination of dried fruit to equal 3 cups.
• The compote is a versatile condiment that crosses culinary boundaries and can be used on both sweet and savory dishes. Stir it into yogurt, spoon it alongside a sweet potato, or serve it atop oatmeal. You can even use it like jam: spread a dollop on a piece of toast with almond butter.
• Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 7 days or in the freezer for 2 months.
• (per serving)
• Calories: 303
• Total Fat: 0g (0g saturated, 0g monounsaturated)
• Carbohydrates: 70g
• Protein: 3g
• Fiber: 12g
• Sodium: 85mg

APRICOT DRIED FRUIT COMPOTE

Steps:

• In a medium saucepan, combine all ingredients, except orange extract. Bring to a boil over medium heat. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered, 20 minutes.
• Remove and discard cinnamon stick.
• Stir in orange extract.
• Serve hot or cold.

DRIED FIG, APRICOT AND CHERRY COMPOTE

Steps:

• Combine 2 1/2 cups water, sugar and cinnamon sticks in large saucepan. Stir over medium heat until sugar dissolves. Bring to boil. Reduce heat to medium-low; cover and simmer 5 minutes. Add figs and simmer uncovered 3 minutes. Remove from heat. Mix in apricots, cherries and then brandy. Return to heat and simmer uncovered until all fruits are tender but still retain shape, about 10 minutes. Remove from heat. Stir in crystallized ginger. Cool. (Compote can be prepared 3 days ahead. Cover and refrigerate.) Serve at room temperature or chilled.