One last fling before the summer disappears. One last sticky-sweet immersion into the sexy roundness of the season’s best fruit. Bruised. Overripe. Molded, even. All of it can be salvaged, rediscovered, renewed with the magic touches of lemon and sugar and fire.
If you look closely at the farmers market, behind the rows of near-perfect produce, you’ll notice crates of deeply imperfect fruit waiting to be discovered. This fruit, known as “bruised fruit” or “pie fruit”, is your treasure. Usually sold at half price, it makes it easy to load up on the pounds you’ll need to make a good batch of jam or a few pies. It’s my favorite farmers market secret.
The even greater wonder of all this? You can use almost any fruit you like. Adjust the sugar levels according to how sweet your produce is, and you’re good to go. Freewheeling is the name of the game: Add spices, herbs, citrus zest, or other surprises. This version has a touch of cardamom, but play as much as you like. The compote wants you to!
I love compote in the morning, on yogurt or hot cereal, at lunch or snack-time, with nut butters, at cocktail hour, with cheeses and on fancy toasts, and at dessert over ice cream or frozen yogurt. It’s there for you, no matter what time of day or night.
Get the recipe on this week’s Intuitive Eating with Kale & Caramel!
LATE SUMMER STONE FRUIT COMPOTE.
Ingredients
- 4 cups medium to large ripe stone fruits (peaches, nectarines, plums), about 3 sliced
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 2 pinches sea salt
- 1/2 small lemon juiced
- 1/4-1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom optional
Instructions
- Wash fruit and trim off any sections that are bruised or bad. Pit and slice.
- Place all ingredients in a non-reactive (stainless steel, ceramic, or glassauce pan, cover, and bring to a boil (5-7 minutes). Lower heat until fruit is just at a simmer, and cook another 10 minutes, until fruit begins to decompose and juice begins to thicken.
- Remove from heat, transfer to glass jars, and let cool.
- Serve with cheeses, nut butters, on buttered toast, or with yogurt, oatmeal, and other breakfast treats!
