10.23.2009

Nana's Fruit Compote

When I married, I really hit the in-law jackpot. Nana and Buck were kind, loving, caring, generous and every other good thing you can think of. They set the standard for wonderful in-laws. I loved them dearly and in their eyes, I was another daughter. My two sisters-in-law welcomed me into the family the same way- with open arms. We laughed, enjoyed each other and spent many memorable holidays together. I look back on those years with a fond and grateful eye and miss them all so much- I'm sad to say they are all gone now. But two of their many precious gifts to me were confidence and laughter. Those are the most important things anyone can give you. Of course, love is a given.
Now Nana was not precisely the Julia Child of her generation but she had some wonderful old family recipes I still use. This fruit compote is one of my favorites. It's thick, rich and extremely sweet so you better keep the portions small. The cold sour cream on top is a necessity as it cuts the sweetness and besides, that cold thick spoonful on the warm dark fruit makes it irrestible.

The recipe is amazing, really. You just open a couple cans and one box, squeeze an orange and a lemon, add sugar and that's it. It roasts in the oven for a couple hours... you do some stirring and it caramelizes into a heavenly dark, thick mass of fruit. You aren't going to be able to stop eating it. Let's not discuss calories- you really don't want to know.

Nana's Fruit Compote

Ingredients:

1 box dried apricots
1 large can drained peaches
1 can black cherries with juice
1 orange, juice only
1 lemon, juice only
3/4 cup brown sugar
1 pint sour cream

Method:

Mix all the ingredients except the sour cream in a large bowl. Mix well.



Pour into a 9" by 9" baking dish and bake at 350° until caramelized. Stir well by turning over the fruit every 15 minutes or so. Takes close to 2 hours. When all the fruit is caramelized and thick, you'll know it's done. Serve warm with sour cream on top.

41 comments:

  1. Yum, I'm making this. Your story is so cozy that I just can't resist not making it. Thanks for sharing!

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  2. What a wonderful family you've got! I love heirloom recipes like this...recipes are such a fun way to pass on traditions. This looks really incredible, and it combines several of my favorite fruits!

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  3. Lovely post. That compote looks so rich and delicious, very decadent. I love learning family recipies. I got a couple of really good ones from hubby's mom.

    By the way, you asked me about the potatoes at the moroccan restaurant I went to in paris. It was quite similar to this:
    http://homemade-recipes.blogspot.com/2008/08/batata-harra.html

    Have a fantastic weekend!

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  4. The compote sounds wonderful, I love the black cherries here! Thank you for sharing this family recipe!

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  5. That is so great that you had such a wonderful relationship with your family!

    The fruit compote looks delicious!

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  6. Wow! What a great story and great recipe! Whne you share a story about a special dish, it just brings the dish to a new level of appreciation. Thanks for sharing!

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  7. The simplicity of this dessert and its rich savory results makes this a treasure. Thanks for sharing your exquisite mother-in-law's wonderful recipe.

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  8. Oh I love fruit compotes so much, especially topped with some whipping cream! But I have never tried to make it in the oven, only with boiling. I must to try this one!

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  9. I have a confession to make. I've never had a Fruit Compote. It may just be high time I remedy that with "Nana's" recipe.

    Thank you so much for sharing the story and recipe with us Barbara.

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  10. there are so many things you could do with this, and so many things to devour with it! i love the idea of it, and i love the little glimpse into your world. here's hoping my future in-laws are as grand. :)

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  11. How easy is that...and it looks absolutely delicious. I imagine it would be great with roast pork as well as on its own for a snack or dessert.

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  12. That does sound delicious with a dollop of sour cream! Sounds like a keeper of a recipe for sure.

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  13. ere I thought I was the only one left in the world that loves compote!!! Delicious recipe, thank you for sharing it!
    Hugs,
    Margaret B

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  14. Hi Barbara,

    What a lovely post and thank you for the delicious compote recipe.
    I would like to try this.
    Also enjoyed reading about your family and inlaws.

    Have a great weekend
    Hugs
    Carolyn

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  15. Thanks for sharing that family recipe with us! Her fruit compote looks delicious and is very original!

    Cheers,

    Rosa

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  16. Thank you for sharing that beautiful story about your in-laws. Nana's compote looks so decadent. Mmm.

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  17. This looks so delicious and I love the memories that come along with it.

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  18. Family recipe's are the best...thanks so much for sharing one of yours! And thanks to your nana for coming up with it :)

    :) T

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  19. Yum! How wonderful! Love your Nana.

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  20. Family recipes are often the best!

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  21. Would you believe I've never had this?? I love finding new things to try!

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  22. oh I am so lucky with my in laws as well looks yummy

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  23. It sounds absolutely luscious. How wonderful you had such fabulous in-laws!

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  24. Oh, I just love that picture - and it is so refreshing to hear people talk fondly of their inlaws. The fruit compote looks so delicious!

    Thanks for swinging by my blog today and taking the time to comment on my Cajun cabbage. Have a great day!

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  25. Lovely post, the compote looks so good! Copied! Thanks for the recipe!

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  26. Thanks for sharing your story. So touching!! Great post! Love the compote too!

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  27. Thanks for sharing your story. So touching!! Great post! Love the compote too!

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  28. It's great to have and have had wonderful in-laws. We share the like in having such kind and generous in-laws. I learned much from them.
    I've never had fruit compote, but I must try it! I think my Mother would enjoy it. Thank you for sharing!

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  29. It's a wonderful story. I am lucky enough to be blessed with wonderful in-laws (this time... don't get me started on my first batch).

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  30. That is precisely my kind of dish, hot caramelised fruit served simply. I think we have very similar tastes and you've read "West with the Night" before me, X.

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  31. I'm so pleased you all enjoyed my wonderful in-laws (and the comments about yours or yours to be) and Nana's recipe. Thank you for commenting! It's lovely to get such nice feedback!

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  32. Oooh, that does look good! Perfect for the depths of winter when I need a fruit fix.

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  33. Looks delicious and I loved hearing about your in-laws...they sounded lovely. Many thanks for coming over to see me...by the way , you're probably not older than me !!!! XXXX

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  34. Hi. We just met, you left a lovely comment on my blog? Yeah. I'm in love. I thought you should know.

    You had me at stuffed zucchini, actually, but the Moosehead Gingerbread really clinched the deal.

    That's it. I'm done for and totally committed to this blog.

    I'm now a follower and will be stopping by often and drooling over your gorgeous pictures and lovely recipes.

    YAY!

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  35. I won't tell a soul, Barbara...you're doing well on it...and your blog is beautiful and so professional too. XXXX

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  36. Wht an adorable photograph and story. I love this compote with brown sugar and sour cream. DELICIOUS!

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  37. Natashya: Thanks- I love this dessert too.
    Phoenix: loved your blog too!
    Jacqueline: Told you so, but it's only numbers. They don't count. ;)
    Julia: They were great in-laws and Nana's compote is even better than it looks!

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  38. I'll have to find you the Miss Frizzle critter confessions...

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  39. I love this compote. I also love the photo of your in-laws. You really hit the jackpot!

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  40. I love this ...its so versatile...I cld make this from other fruits here..such a refreshing dessert. love the story of your in laws...how lucky you are!!!:)

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  41. Wow, this fruit compote looks FABULOUS!

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