Fruit Compote

This is my version of Mama's fruit compote - I don’t have an exact recipe but: the best thing is you don't have to be exact.If you like it sweeter-use more sugar. If you like plums more- use more plums. I like the red plums because they give a pretty color. You can use apples, strawberries- whatever is in season. Just remember- fruits like apples take longer to soften than the strawberries, so add them accordingly.

10 peaches

5 red plums (or yellow if they are sweet)

5 apricots

1-2 pears

½ cup blueberries

½ cup grapes

¼ cup sugar (or more to taste- depending on how ripe and sweet your fruit is)

Wash and cut the fruit into cubes about 1 ½ inches. If you cut the fruit into shapes that are similar in size- they will cook more evenly.

Put fruit in large, heavy pot Sprinkle with sugar and stir to make sure all fruit is covered. Add cinnamon or nutmeg if you like.

Cover with cold water- at least 2 inches above the first 4 fruits. Bring to a boil and lower heat and simmer until fruit is soft and the water tastes good.

Add the rest of the fruits towards the last 20 minutes so they don’t boil away.

You can add more sugar, or orange juice or any fruit juice to flavor. You can add any fruits you like, but remember to cook the more sturdy fruits first and the more the delicate last.

It’s better to have a little more liquid, than less because this is very refreshing on hot days and it’s a good way to get your 5 a day.