Grape & Apple Fruit Compote

Compote, from the French for mixture, is fruit gently simmered until tender and glossy. This grape and apple version leans on maple syrup, a cinnamon stick, and a sprig of thyme for warm, fragrant depth.

Serves 4 · 10 min prep · 18 min cook

Estimate for one serving

• 145 cal
• 1g protein
• 36g carbs
• 8g fat
• 3g fiber

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Ingredients

• 2 cups seedless red grapes
• 2 medium honeycrisp or gala apples
• 1/3 cup fresh orange juice
• 2 tbsp pure maple syrup
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1 small fresh thyme sprig
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 pinch pinch of fine sea salt
• 1 tsp fresh lemon zest

Instructions

1. 1Wash the grapes and halve any larger ones so they cook evenly.
2. 2Core the apples and cut them into small bite-size chunks, leaving the peel on for color and texture.
3. 3Combine the grapes, apple chunks, orange juice, maple syrup, cinnamon stick, thyme sprig, and salt in a medium saucepan.
4. 4Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring once or twice.
5. 5Reduce the heat to medium-low and cook uncovered for 12 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples soften and the grapes burst and release their juices.
6. 6Remove and discard the cinnamon stick and thyme sprig.
7. 7Stir in the vanilla and lemon zest and continue simmering 2 to 3 minutes more until the liquid thickens into a light syrup that coats the fruit.
8. 8Taste and adjust brightness with an extra squeeze of lemon if needed.
9. 9Take the pan off the heat and let the compote cool slightly; it will thicken further as it sits.
10. 10Spoon into small bowls or jars and serve warm or chilled as a simple fruit dessert.
11. 11Leftovers keep covered in the refrigerator up to 4 days and are excellent over yogurt or ice cream.