Fig and Apple Compote

There are some nights when I get home and just don't want a big meal.  This is usually days when I've had too large of a lunch or have been snacking all afternoon.  My solution last night was to pull ingredients from the fridge and make a very seasonal cheese plate.  Of course, you could also make this as an hors d'oeuvre to have out when company comes for dinner and you're still putting the finishing touches on things!

This fig and apple compote is a great way to use some of the most flavorful fall ingredients.  You can find fresh figs in most grocery stores right now.  I used black mission figs, but any kind will do for this recipe.  I also used a tart granny smith apple.  A touch of good balsamic vinegar will really bring out the flavors and balance the sweetness of the fruit with a hit of acid.

Ingredients:
- About 6 figs
- Granny smith apple (or other tart cooking variety)
- 1T balsamic vinegar
- 1T sugar
- Tiny pinch of cloves and nutmeg
- Water

Chop up the figs and apple.  I left the skin on my apple, but you can peel it if you prefer.

In a small saucepan, combine the figs, apples, a splash of vinegar, and a little water.  There should be just enough liquid that you can get it boiling.  As the fruit cooks, it will release its own juices (and then reabsorb some) so you don't need too much water.

As it cooks, the fruit will naturally release its juices.  Continue cooking it so that the juices get thick and almost syrupy.  At this point, taste the compote and add sugar if needed.  Add a tiny pinch of cloves and a tiny pinch of nutmeg.  You can also add in other ingredients here if you like.  I think ginger could be a great addition.

You can cook this until it gets to the texture you like.  I cooked mine so that the fruit was soft and fully cooked, but still in distinguishable pieces.  If you continue cooking you can reach a soft/mushier consistency - more like applesauce.

I served the compote with tree-ripened italian plums, brie, and crackers.  It was a great light meal for a cold fall day!

Bon appetite!