Warm Spiced Grape Compote

Serves 4 · 10 min prep · 15 min cook

Ingredients

• 3 cups seedless red or black grapes
• 3 tablespoons honey
• 1/4 cup fresh orange juice
• 1 teaspoon orange zest
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1 whole star anise
• 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 pinch of salt
• 1 teaspoon unsalted butter
• as needed pound cake, yogurt, or vanilla ice cream for serving

Instructions

1. 1Rinse the grapes and pat dry; leave smaller ones whole and halve any larger ones so they cook evenly.
2. 2In a medium saucepan combine the grapes, honey, orange juice, orange zest, cinnamon stick, star anise, lemon juice, and salt.
3. 3Set the pan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring once or twice so the honey melts into the juices.
4. 4Reduce the heat to medium-low and cook uncovered for 12 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the grapes soften and begin to burst and the liquid turns syrupy.
5. 5Listen for a soft bubbling sound and watch for the sauce to coat the back of a spoon; that is your cue it is ready.
6. 6Remove and discard the cinnamon stick and star anise.
7. 7Stir in the butter until it melts and gives the compote a glossy sheen.
8. 8Taste and adjust with a drop more lemon juice if you want brighter acidity.
9. 9Let the compote cool for 5 minutes so it thickens slightly while staying warm.
10. 10Spoon generously over slices of pound cake, bowls of Greek yogurt, or scoops of vanilla ice cream.
11. 11Store any leftovers in a sealed jar in the refrigerator for up to five days; rewarm gently before serving.
12. 12The warm spiced fruit makes an instant elegant dessert with almost no effort.