Not quite a jam, not yet a jelly. Berry Compote is a fruit topping made from ripe summer berries that can be used on any number of sweet treats, from ice cream to waffles. Slow-simmer your favorite summer berries in a simple syrup - with just a touch of citrus - until you have a gorgeous whole fruit sauce. Serve warm or store.
1lbberries (strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, blackberries)if using strawberries, hull and chop
¼csugaror 2 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
3tablespoonwater
1teaspoonlemon juice
½teaspoonvanilla extract
1lemon peeloptional, but helps with thickening
Instructions
Combine the berries, sweetener, water, vanilla extract, and lemon peel in a large sauce pot. Stir to combine.
Heat over a high flame until the liquid begins to bubble; reduce to medium/medium-low heat to maintain a steady simmer.
Simmer, stirring occasionally, for 12-14 minutes, or until the berries soften then fall apart and the compote thickens.
Cool slightly before serving. Serve warm or at room temperature. Makes about 1 cup.
Notes
Alternative thickener: whisk 1 teaspoon cornstarch with 1 teaspoon water; pour in the slurry towards the end and simmer 1-2 minutes until thickened to your desired texture.Variations
Substitute orange juice for water and omit the lemon juice for a slightly sweeter compote with fewer tart notes