Apple, Cranberry, and Pear Compote

This compote may be one of my favorite things I have ever made. It makes the house smell like Christmas with the cranberries, apples, orange zest, and spice. The first bite I took while it was still warm had me smiling from ear to ear like it was Christmas morning. It’s delicious warm as a light dessert or spooned over ice cream. My favorite way too enjoy the compote is on top of Greek yogurt with a sprinkle of granola for a seasonal yogurt parfait.  I may just eat this everyday this winter for breakfast!

Ingredients

1 12 oz bag fresh cranberries

2 apples, peeled, cored, and chopped

2 pears, peeled, cored and chopped

zest of an orange

juice of an orange

1 ½ teaspoons cardamom 

1 cup water

1 cup brown sugar

½ cup Port wine

Directions

In a large pan, add the cranberries, apples, pears, orange juice (zest the orange first and set aside the zest,) cardamom, water, and brown sugar. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer 20 minutes.

Stir in the orange zest and Port wine. Simmer another 20-25 minutes, or until the liquid is reduced. There should be some liquid left but not a lot. The compote will also thicken as it cools. I lightly mash the fruit with a spoon or potato masher to make it slightly jammy.

Store in the refrigerator for up to two weeks or freeze.

Makes about 4 cups