Hey, Friends! So exciting to be here, sharing this new post! It's a hot sunny day outside (in fact most days of January have been hot) (oh...yes, we're in summer season here). And while writing to you, I'm having my bowl of apple compote next to me. And believe me, it's an incredible happy-relaxing feeling (inside + out). I mean I've grown up eating apple compote or as we called it in Spanish 'compota de manzanas'. It's a pretty common dessert from where I come from, and despite it's simplicity, it also have many incredible good healthy benefits(that's why I call it "Golden Dessert").
Every time someone in the family got sick, or got an upset stomach... well the apple compote was made in large batches and serve as a healing + soothing, healthy dessert to relive and revive any uncomfortable digestive feelings. Somehow the juice that comes from the process of cooking the apples with water and spices enhances the potential and benefits of the apples. But as I was growing up, soon I've learned that apple compote was not only used for tummy troubles, we also served it during hot summer days, and in the winter season (…yes, I've grown up eating this dessert).
We often make this compote using just apples, but we also like combining different fruits. Like apples with pears or apples with peaches, plums or apricots. The traditional recipe for apple compote uses regular sugar but we 'Healthified' it but using honey instead of regular sugar. You can also use coconut sugar, maple syrup, agave or brown rice syrup.
Now, some highlights about this recipe:
1. Apples (they have plenty of vitamin C + fiber + low gi )2. Cinnamon ( loaded with antioxidants + has anti-inflammatory properties )3. Pears ( vitamin C + fiber + copper + vitamin K + low gi )4. Honey ( natural sweetener + antibacterial + plenty of vitamins + minerals )
In addition to all those valuable, healthy benefits, this dessert is super easy to make. So go ahead and make yourself some apple + pear compote this week. Enjoy, be happy inside + out!
And yes, that's Lia's little hand in the first photo (while doing this photo-shoot) she enjoys playing with water + apples... a lot...but I'd always pretend she's helping mommy in the kitchen!
GOLDEN DESSERT HONEY APPLE + PEAR COMPOTE
The compote last a week in the fridge. And the quantities in the recipe make a jar of 1 1/2 Lt of compote, but you can always make half of the ingredients to make a small batch. You can use apples and pears or just apples and eat it cool or at room temperature.
6 Apples, medium size (red or green apples)3 Firm Pears, medium size 1 1/2 Lt. Purified water (about 6 cups)Honey, to taste (I use about 4 Tbsp.)Spices: 1 Bark cinnamon, 2 cloves, 1/2 Vanilla bean, scrapedPreparation:
1- Wash, peeled, deseed and cut apples into quarters. Do the same with the pears. Place apples and pears into a saucepan. Add water and spices.
2- Then cover and bring to a boil. Add honey. And let it cook slowly on low heat for about 20 - 25 minutes. Or until apples and pears are tender. When ready remove from heat and let it cool completely. Pour compote into a jar or small jars and keep in the fridge.
