Best Gingerbread With Dried Fig Apricot And Cherry Compote Recipes

STONE-FRUIT COMPOTE

Steps:

• In a small saucepan, combine fruit, honey, pinch of salt, water, and desired flavor combination (optional). Cook over medium-high, stirring occasionally, until fruit is soft, 8 to 12 minutes. Transfer to a pint-size jar and let cool.

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

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.

FAVORITE OLD FASHIONED GINGERBREAD

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and flour a 9-inch square pan.
• In a large bowl, cream together the sugar and butter. Beat in the egg, and mix in the molasses.
• In a bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves. Blend into the creamed mixture. Stir in the hot water. Pour into the prepared pan.
• Bake 1 hour in the preheated oven, until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow to cool in pan before serving.

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.