The subject line in my friend Suzanne’s email read OMG!!! after she tasted this dessert. “Such a treat,” she said. “I savored every bite and didn’t want it to end. One of my overall favorites!” It really is delicious. Do not skip this even if you think it isn’t for you. It’s like that dress that you wouldn’t have tried on, but your friend makes you…and it happens to look great on you. The fruit and yogurt deliver powerful flavors and texture. It satisfies your sweet tooth yet makes you feel good at the same time. Sylvie said it was unexpectedly good (which is great coming from an 8 year old.) As usual (which seems to be my M.O. of late) it is easy to make. I happen to be out of commission for a bit with a long bout of vertigo (that still persists) but in the midst (of the more severe week) I thought that baking might calm and restore my senses and equilibrium – so this is one of the many easy things I made when I was spinning. I also decided that some healthier desserts would be necessary since I was feeling so ill. Anyway, on I go – try this. Surprise someone. Lovely for a casual dinner with friends. And definitely serve it with the Greek yogurt – it cuts the sweetness of the dried fruits. On top of ice cream too (for a sweeter sweet.) Enjoy-
dried fruit compote with greek yogurt (adapted slightly from The Mediterrasaian Way by Ric Watson and Trudy Thelander):
1 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed if you have the time)
1/2 cup water
2 teaspoons brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground clove
pinch of kosher salt
1 cup dried apricots
1/2 cup dried figs (some sliced in half)
1/2 cup raisins (mix in gold if you can, or try dried blueberries or cranberries)
Greek yogurt or vanilla ice cream
almond slivers (optional)
In a small saucepan, mix together the orange juice, water, brown sugar, cinnamon, clove, and salt and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low-simmer, and add the apricots, figs, and raisins. Cover the pot and simmer for about 20 – 25 minutes until liquid get syrupy and reduces a bit.
Serve the compote in bowls with a spoon ful of yogurt or ice cream. Sprinkle with nuts if you choose. Enjoy-
