📖 Instructions

1. First, gather your ingredients. Make sure everything is fresh and ready to go. This recipe is all about showcasing the natural flavors of the fruit, so fresh is best. My grandma always said, "The fresher the ingredients, the tastier the dish!"; and honestly, who am I to argue with that wisdom?
2. Next, prepare the fruit. Wash and chop all the fruit into roughly 1-inch pieces. Smaller pieces will cook faster, which might leave some slightly mushy (nobody likes that!). Larger pieces may take longer to soften. This is where having your knife skills honed makes all the difference!
3. Now, let's make the compote! In a large bowl, combine your prepared fruit, maple syrup, orange juice, and spices. Mix this gently, so that the fruit is evenly distributed and coated in the syrup.
4. Next up, it's time to cook! Transfer your fruity mixture to a saucepan over medium heat. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring occasionally. You want it to gently bubble, not boil rapidly. Rapid boiling is never a good sign with fruit, because it will break down too much! This will take around 10-15 minutes, or until the fruit is softened but still retains a bit of its shape. Again, timing depends on the fruit you use.
5. Once cooked, remove from heat. I like to let my compote cool slightly before tasting. You can add a little more maple syrup if you want a touch of extra sweetness. And then, after this, gently stir in your lemon juice and mint.
6. Now comes the fun part, the tasting stage! The tartness of the lemon and freshness of the mint will contrast wonderfully with the sweetness of the fruit and maple syrup. Once you're happy with the flavor, let the compote cool completely before serving.
7. Finally, serve and enjoy! It's absolutely delicious served warm or cold. It pairs well with yogurt, ice cream, pancakes, waffles, or even just enjoyed on its own. I love spooning it over my morning oatmeal! Yum!