Stone Fruit Compote Recipes

FRIENDSHIP FRUIT STARTER

Steps:

• In a large glass jar, combine drained pineapple chunks, drained apricot slices, drained sliced peaches, drained maraschino cherries, brandy and sugar. Stir gently with wooden spoon. Cover and let stand at room temperature for 3 weeks, stirring at least twice a week. Drain and reserve the liquid - This liquid is your starter for the Thirty Day Friendship Cake.

EASY FRUIT COMPOTE

Steps:

• To prepare the fruit: If you're using fresh strawberries or peaches, cut them into thin slices. If you're using small berries like blueberries or raspberries, you can use them whole. If you're using frozen fruit, no need to defrost or slice them before using.
• In a medium saucepan, combine your fruit of choice, sweetener of choice and dash of salt. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally. This will take about 5 minutes for fresh fruit or 10 minutes for frozen fruit.
• Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium. If you're using chunky fruit or prefer a smoother consistency, mash the fruit with a potato masher or serving fork until it reaches your desired consistency. Continue simmering, stirring often, until the compote has condensed to about half of its original volume, about 5 minutes.
• Remove the compote from the heat. I'm generally satisfied with my compote at this point, but if the compote isn't sweet enough for your liking, you can stir in a more sweetener, to taste. If you'd like it to be more smooth, mash it some more.
• Let the compote cool for a few minutes before serving. Allow leftover compote to cool completely before covering and refrigerating for up to 10 days.

LEMON RICOTTA PANCAKES WITH BROWN BUTTER STONE FRUIT COMPOTE AND AMARETTO SYRUP

Steps:

• For the fruit compote: Add the butter to a high-sided saute pan over medium heat and allow to brown. Once browned, add the apricots, plums, nectarines, peaches, sugar and vanilla bean. Stir to combine and cook until the fruit softens and the sugar has dissolved, 15 to 20 minutes. Remove the vanilla bean before serving.
• For the amaretto syrup: Pour the amaretto into a saucepan and heat through over medium heat. Keep warm.
• For the pancakes: Combine the flour, sugar, baking powder and salt in a medium bowl. In a large bowl, whisk the ricotta, eggs, milk, lemon zest and juice. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
• Heat a large saute pan over a medium flame. Once heated, add 1 tablespoon of the butter. After the butter stops bubbling, pour most of it out of the pan and gently wipe the pan with a dry paper towel, leaving a thin film of fat. With a large spoon, gently ladle pancake batter into the pan, about 2 tablespoons per pancake. Cook the pancakes until bubbles begin to appear on top, 2 to 3 minutes. Flip and cook on the reverse side, about another 2 minutes. Add more butter to the pan as needed.
• Layer the pancakes on a platter with the fruit compote between each layer. Top with more compote and drizzle with amaretto syrup just before serving.

STONE FRUIT COMPOTE

Steps:

• Combine all ingredients in a small saucepan.
• Cook over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until fruit is soft, about 8-12 minutes.
• Transfer to a pint-sized jar and let cool.
• Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

FRESH FRUIT COMPOTE

Steps:

• Cut two 1-in.-long strips from lemon peel. Squeeze juice from lemon. In a large saucepan, combine the water, honey, lemon juice and lemon peel strips. Add the apples, peaches and pears. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cook, uncovered, for 15-20 minutes or until fruit is softened. , Remove from the heat; discard lemon peel. Using a slotted spoon, transfer fruit to a large bowl; discard poaching liquid. Stir in spreadable fruit, strawberries and grapes. Cover and refrigerate for 4 hours or overnight. Serve with a slotted spoon. Top each serving with yogurt.