Ukrainian Dried Fruit Compote

2017 - Canada’s 150th                                                                                                                                        submitted by Auntie Pat
                                                                                                                                                                        

​This is a traditional Ukrainian Christmas Eve dessert made from dried fruit.  With an abundance of orchards in the Ukraine and lack of refrigeration, fruit was dried and used all year. ​

Place fruit (except prunes) in a large saucepan.  
Add water to more than cover by a third (fruit absorbs water).  
Bring to a boil, reduce heat.
Stir in lemon juice, lemon slices, honey (sugar), cinnamon stick and/or cloves.
After about 25 minutes, add prunes.  They cook quickly and can become mushy.
Cover and simmer about 15 to 20 minutes – until fruit is tender, but not falling apart.
Remove from heat.  Remove lemon slices, cinnamon stick and/or cloves.
Taste and add more honey and/or lemon juice to taste if desired.  
Should not be too sweet.  The fruit should dominate.
Serve chilled in a decorative glass bowl.  Prepare a day or two in advance of serving.  
Keeps about 10 days refrigerated.  May also be served warm.

​