A sweet treat for a crisp autumn day.

This fruit compote recipe – which can easily be adapted into an applesauce recipe – can be enjoyed hot or cold. With no added sweetener and just two ingredients (fruit and water), it’s easy to prepare and makes a nice gift, too.

There is no need to weigh or measure anything for this recipe.

 

Fruit Compote

Ingredients:

• Apples, washed, peeled or not, cored, and chopped into bite-sized pieces
• Optional: other hearty fruits, such as pears, plums, peaches – cored/pitted and chopped
• Optional: fresh or frozen berries (defrost first)
• Optional: the juice of 1/2 a lemon
• Optional: powdered cinnamon and/or ginger to taste
• Filtered water
• Pinch of good quality sea salt

Directions:

1. Place chopped fruit, berries, and lemon juice in a saucepan. Add enough water to cover the bottom of the pan, roughly 1/8 inch deep. Add a pinch of salt.
2. Heat covered on medium-high heat.
3. Once steam starts rising, reduce heat, remove lid, and let the steam rise up through the fruit for 10-25 minutes. Check saucepan periodically and add more water if needed.
4. Once the fruit is softened, remove from heat, stir, and serve. Compote can also be put in jars and stored in the refrigerator. Some or all of the juice remaining in the saucepan can be stirred in for added flavor.

 

Fruity Applesauce

Follow the same steps as above, but mash the finished product with a potato masher or blend in the blender to create a smoother consistency. Use some or all of the water in the bottom of the pan for extra flavor.

 

Musings and Adaptations

• Mix 2 tablespoons of freshly ground flax seeds into a serving of compote for a blood sugar-balancing boost of fiber. (See more high-fiber recipes and information about dietary fiber here.)
• Combine with plain yogurt, raw rolled oats, and nut butter for a breakfast bowl.
• Enjoy a few spoonfuls of compote with your after-dinner tea, in lieu of a sugary dessert.
• Put a spoonful of compote on top of hot breakfast cereal, instead of sugar or other sweetener.