Apple-Pear Compote

Name: Apple-Pear Compote
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 3 h 15 min
Total time: 3 h 35 min
Yield: 8 cups.
Ingredients: 5 medium apples, peeled and chopped; 3 medium pears, chopped; 1 medium orange, thinly sliced; 1/2 cup dried cranberries; 1/2 cup packed brown sugar; 1/2 cup maple syrup; 1/3 cup butter, cubed; 2 tablespoons lemon juice; 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon; 1 teaspoon ground ginger; 5 tablespoons orange juice, divided; 4 teaspoons cornstarch; Sweetened whipped cream and toasted chopped pecans, optional

Apples and pears are almost always popular, so this warm, comforting dessert recipe is great for potlucks or other get-togethers. I also like to add raisins or chopped nuts to the compote, and for a more adult flavor I add 1/3 cup brandy or rum.—Nancy Heishman, Las Vegas, Nevada

Ingredients

5 medium apples, peeled and chopped
3 medium pears, chopped
1 medium orange, thinly sliced
1/2 cup dried cranberries
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup maple syrup
1/3 cup butter, cubed
2 tablespoons lemon juice
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground ginger
5 tablespoons orange juice, divided
4 teaspoons cornstarch
Sweetened whipped cream and toasted chopped pecans, optional

Directions

In a 4- or 5-qt. slow cooker, combine the first 10 ingredients. Stir in 2 tablespoons orange juice. Cook, covered, on low 3-4 hours or until fruit is tender.
In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and remaining orange juice until smooth; gradually stir into fruit mixture. Cook, covered, on high 15-20 minutes longer or until sauce is thickened. If desired, top with whipped cream and pecans.
Freeze option: Freeze cooled compote in freezer containers. To use, partially thaw in refrigerator overnight. Heat through in a saucepan, stirring occasionally and adding a little orange juice if necessary.