Winter Fruit Compote With Cognac Recipes

WINTER FRUIT COMPOTE

Steps:

• Combine juice and brown sugar in a microwavable bowl.
• Stir in dried fruits.
• Cover and microwave on high for 4 minutes or until fruit is plump.
• Stir at least once half way through cooking time.
• Stir in remaining ingredients and let cool before serving.

WINTER FRUIT COMPOTE

Steps:

• In large saucepan, combine sugar, water and ginger; bring to a boil over high heat.
• Add dried fruit and bring back to a boil; immediately reduce heat to low simmer.
• Cook, uncovered, until fruit is not quite tender, about 5 minutes.
• Add cranberries and simmer, stirring occasionally, until cranberries pop.
• Stir in orange and apple.
• Remove from heat and allow to cool down.
• For dessert, serve warm over ice cream, or at room temperature over a plain cake, such as angel food cake or pound cake.
• Can also be served with yogurt; makes a particularly nice breakfast.

WARM WINTER FRUIT COMPOTE

Steps:

• Combine all ingredients in a large saucepan. Cover and simmer 20 minutes. Remove cover and simmer an additional 35 minutes or until liquid is reduced to desired consistency. Serve warm with turkey or pork.
• Recipe note: Compote may be made ahead of serving time. Cover and store in refrigerator. Reheat to a simmer for 10 minutes before serving.
• Garnish with sprigs of fresh rosemary, if desired.

WINTER FRUIT COMPOTE

Steps:

• Combine the dried fruit in a large bowl. Pour the hot tea and the orange juice over it and mix together, making sure all the fruit is totally immersed. Cover and let steep for 24 hours.
• Preheat the oven to 275°F and place your sterilized jars (see p. 152) inside.
• Carefully transfer the fruit and liquid into a large pan. Bring slowly to a simmer on the stovetop and poach the fruit for 10 minutes.
• Remove the pan of fruit from the heat. Using a slotted spoon, scoop out the fruit and pack into the hot jars. Return the jars to the oven to keep warm. Add the honey to the steeping juice. Bring to a boil and boil for 5 minutes.
• Carefully remove the jars from the oven and pour in the honeyed juice so it comes to the very brim of the jars and completely covers the fruit. Seal immediately with lids, clips, or screw-bands. Leave undisturbed for 24 hours, then check that the seal is secure (see p. 158). Store in a cool, dry place and use within 1 year.

WINTER FRUIT COMPOTE WITH SELECTION OF CHEESE

Steps:

• In a 4-quart saucepan or pot bring the first 6 ingredients to a simmer. Stir slowly to dissolve the sugar in the liquid. Add the remaining ingredients except the lemon juice and the cheese. When the liquid comes to a boil, adjust the heat and simmer for about 20 minutes to marry the flavors and soften the fruit. Turn off the heat then stir in the lemon juice. With a slotted spoon remove the fruit to a bowl. Bring the remaining syrup to a simmer and reduce until lightly thickened or when the bubbles formed on the top become small. Remove the syrup for the heat and when it is cool pour it over the fruit. The compote can be held in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Serve the compote at room temperature with the cheese.

FROZEN COGNAC PARFAIT AND SPIRITED FRUIT COMPOTE

Steps:

• Make parfait:
• Using handheld electric mixer, beat sugar, egg yolks, corn syrup, and orange juice in large metal bowl to blend. Place bowl over saucepan of simmering water (do not allow bottom of bowl to touch water). Beat until thermometer registers 160°F and parfait base is thick and billowy, about 8 minutes. Remove bowl from over water. Continue to beat until parfait base is cool, about 7 minutes.
• In another large bowl, beat cream, Cognac, and vanilla until peaks form. Fold cream into parfait base in 3 additions. Transfer parfait to medium bowl, cover and freeze until firm, at least 4 hours and up to 2 days.
• Make fruit compote:
• Using small sharp knife, cut all peel and pith from oranges. Working over large bowl, cut between membranes, releasing orange segments into bowl. Mix in remaining ingredients. Let stand at least 30 minutes, or cover and chill up to 3 hours, tossing occasionally.
• Assemble parfaits:
• Scoop parfait into goblets. Spoon fruit compote over and serve.