Citrus Compote

Name: Citrus Compote
Prep time: 25 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 10 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 12 large blood oranges, navel oranges or<br> tangelos, or a mixture, about 4 lb. total; 1&#8260;4 cup cr&#232;me de cassis or cassis syrup; 2 Tbs. fresh lemon juice; 3 Tbs. minced fresh mint, plus mint sprigs for<br> garnish; Zest of 1 orange, removed with a zester; Pomegranate seeds for garnish (see related tip <br> at right) (optional)

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Black currants, widely grown in Europe but not common in the United States, give crème de cassis its deep black-red color and fruity flavor. This liqueur is added to white wine to create the cherry-colored kir cocktail and is excellent combined with fresh fruit. Try it on sliced peaches, plums and other stone fruits in summer, as well as in this winter citrus compote. Cassis syrup, similar in color and taste but nonalcoholic, is also available though is a bit harder to find. Look for it in specialty-food shops.

Prep Time 25 minutes

Cook Time 0 minutes

Servings 10

Ingredients

12 large blood oranges, navel oranges ortangelos, or a mixture, about 4 lb. total
1⁄4 cup crème de cassis or cassis syrup
2 Tbs. fresh lemon juice
3 Tbs. minced fresh mint, plus mint sprigs forgarnish
Zest of 1 orange, removed with a zester
Pomegranate seeds for garnish (see related tip at right) (optional)

Directions

Using a large chef's knife, cut off the top and bottom of an orange down to the flesh. Stand the orange upright and cut off the peel in vertical strips to the flesh, following the contour of the fruit. (If using tangelos, simply peel by hand.) Cut the flesh crosswise into slices 1/4 inch thick. Remove the hard white center and any seeds. Put the slices in a large nonaluminum bowl. Repeat with the remaining oranges.

Pour the cassis and lemon juice over the oranges and stir to blend. Cover and refrigerate for 30 to 60 minutes.

To serve, transfer the oranges to a serving dish and sprinkle with the minced mint, orange zest and pomegranate seeds. Garnish with mint sprigs and serve. Serves 8 to 10.

Adapted from Williams-Sonoma Collection Series, Christmas, by Carolyn Miller (Simon & Schuster, 2003).