Compote
A compote is fruit that has been cooked slowly in a sugar syrup, sometimes with added spices, citrus, or a splash of liquor, until it softens and the syrup thickens. Unlike a jam or preserve, the fruit in a compote is usually left in chunks or whole pieces rather than being cooked down to a smooth spread, so it keeps a loose, saucy texture with recognizable fruit. It can be made from fresh or dried fruit and served warm or chilled.
Compotes are wonderfully versatile: spoon a berry compote over pancakes, waffles, ice cream, or cheesecake, or serve a spiced dried-fruit compote alongside roasted pork or duck. Making one at home is simple, just simmer the fruit with sugar and a little water or juice until it reaches the consistency you like, adding delicate berries near the end so they do not fall apart. A squeeze of lemon brightens the flavor and helps balance the sweetness.
Compotes are wonderfully versatile: spoon a berry compote over pancakes, waffles, ice cream, or cheesecake, or serve a spiced dried-fruit compote alongside roasted pork or duck. Making one at home is simple, just simmer the fruit with sugar and a little water or juice until it reaches the consistency you like, adding delicate berries near the end so they do not fall apart. A squeeze of lemon brightens the flavor and helps balance the sweetness.