Fresh Fruit Compote

This one I am particularly proud of.  The inspiration come from a container of blueberries in the fridge that the Peanut wasn't eating fast enough.  The child can't get enough fruit, but when her mommy has blueberries and cantaloupe and oranges to offer her at any given time, somethings gotta' give.  Such was the case for the blueberries this time.  They gave.

I started imagining those thick, goopy berry toppings that come with pancakes and waffles from those breakfast chains that Hubs and I used to meet at before class during our dating days.  And I knew I could make it better.  Because fresher is always better, isn't it?

I made blueberry the first morning and apple the next morning.  Blueberry is my fave, but my husband digs the apple.  The Peanut is lover to all fruit, so she was no help for a tie breaker.  Both of these would also be an excellent topping with vanilla ice cream.  YUM!

Blueberry Compote

2 cups fresh blueberries
1/2 cup maple syrup
1 tsp. arrowroot powder (you may use cornstarch too--use about 1 1/2 tsp.)

In a small pan over medium heat, slowly heat berries and syrup.  In a small bowl, mix arrowroot powder/cornstarch with about a tablespoon cold water.  Stir thickener into berry mixture.  Once berries are heated through (sauce may not be thickened at this point) crush berries with a potato masher.  I did this with about half the berries.  Stir occasionally while allowing compote to thicken.  Compote is finished when sauce has thickened and coats the back of a spoon, about 15-20 minutes.

Apple Cinnamon Compote

2 large apples
1/2 cup maple syrup
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. arrowroot powder (you may use cornstarch too--use about 1 1/2 tsp.)

Peel, core, and chop apples into a small dice.  In a small pan over medium heat, slowly heat apples, cinnamon, and syrup.  In a small bowl, mix arrowroot powder/cornstarch with about a tablespoon cold water.  Stir thickener into apple mixture.  Stir occasionally while allowing compote to thicken.  Compote is finished when sauce has thickened and coats the back of a spoon, about 15-20 minutes.

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This recipe is linked to:

Beauty and Bedlam's Tasty Tuesday
Blessed With Grace Tempt My Tummy Tuesday
Designs By Gollum Foodie Friday
Grocery Cart Challenge Recipe Swap
Friday Potluck at EKat's Kitchen
Hearth 'n Soul Recipe Swap  
Kelly the Kitchen Kop's Real Food Wednesday
La Bella Vita's Fresh Clean and Pure Friday 
Life As Mom Ultimate Recipe Swap
Miz Helen's Country Cottage Full Plate Thursday 
This Chick Cooks Recipe Swap