Skip to main content

Spicy Apple Compote

This compote has a little kick to it, courtesy of the cayenne pepper. It’s excellent with pancakes, oatmeal, or even as a topping on yogurt, and it can be made up to a week ahead. If storing for later use, cool the compote completely before covering it with a lid or plastic wrap. This will keep in the refrigerator for up to one week. If the compote is cool, reheat it over low heat to serve hot. It can also be served warm.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    makes 2 to 3 cups

Ingredients

6 tart apples, such as Red Delicious, Golden Delicious, Braeburn, or Granny Smith, peeled, cored, and cut into 1/2-inch dice
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Pinch of freshly grated nutmeg
1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Pinch of kosher salt
Pinch of cayenne pepper or freshly ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon fresh lemon juice

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Stir together the apples, cinnamon, nutmeg, brown sugar, butter, salt, and cayenne pepper in a 2-quart noncorrodible saucepan. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat.

    Step 2

    Reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. The compote is ready when the apples are very soft.

    Step 3

    Remove the compote from the heat and stir in the lemon juice.

    Step 4

    Spoon the compote into a serving bowl.

Bubby's Brunch Cookbook cover.
Bubby’s Brunch Cookbook by Ron Silver and Rosemary Black. Copyright © 2009 by Ron Silver and Rosemary Black. Published by Ballantine Books. All Rights Reserved.
Read More
Like miso-peanut hibachi chicken and spring orzotto.
Using two entire lemons—pith, skin, and all—cranks up the citrus flavor in this classic dessert.
Keep this easy frittata recipe on hand for quick breakfasts, impressive brunches, and fridge clean-out meals.
Like “phenomenal” whole lemon bars and grilled salmon with dill chimichurri.
Grilling fish atop a bed of lemon slices is the key to not sticking.
A punchy, spicy peanut vinaigrette transforms a simply grilled steak into a showstopping main.
This sauce is slightly magical. The texture cloaks pasta much like a traditional meat sauce does, and the flavors are deep and rich, but it’s actually vegan!
The magic of this hibachi chicken recipe comes from a combination of miso and peanut butter and how it beautifully caramelizes when it hits the grill.