Apricot compote

Apricot compote - A Winter Delight

If you're looking for a simple, yet extremely satisfying recipe to bring a ray of sunshine on cold winter days, you've come to the right place! Apricot compote is a quick and delicious dessert, perfect to enjoy with a slice of toast or even as a main ingredient in other dishes. Let's discover together how to make the perfect apricot compote!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Sterilizing time: 35 minutes
Total: 1 hour 5 minutes
Number of servings: 22 x 800g jars

Ingredients:
- 4.5 kg ripe but firm apricots
- 1 kg sugar
- water

A Bit of History
Apricot compote has a long tradition, made in different cultures to preserve the fresh fruit in winter. This is not just a simple way to preserve apricots, but also a way to intensify the fruit's flavors and make the fruit a delicacy that reminds us of the warm summer.

Practical Ingredient Tips
- Choosing apricots: Make sure you choose ripe but firm apricots. They should be free from blemishes or signs of damage. Apricots that are too soft will not keep well during sterilization.
- Sugar: Use white granulated sugar for a clear, sweet syrup. If you want a less sweet compote, you can reduce the sugar to 800g.

Preparation step by step

1. Prepare the jars:
Start by washing the jars and lids thoroughly with hot water and dish detergent. Rinse them thoroughly to remove all traces of detergent. Place them on a clean towel with the mouth down to drain.

2. Wash apricots:
Use lukewarm water to wash the apricots. This will help remove impurities. After washing, put them in a sieve to drain well.

3. Placing the apricots in jars:
Take each jar and place 5 whole apricots in each. Cut an apricot in half and place on top. This trick not only adds a nice look to the jar, but also intensified flavor.

4. Making the syrup:
Measure the required amount of water, making sure to cover all the jars. Pour the water into a large saucepan and add 2 pinch spoons of sugar for each jar. Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir until the sugar is completely dissolved into a clear syrup.

5. Filling the jars:
Pour the hot syrup over the apricots placed in the jars, leaving a little room at the top. Make sure the fruit is completely covered with syrup.

6. Closing and sterilizing:
Thread the lids of the jars tightly. Place the jars in a larger saucepan and fill with water to 3/4 the height of the jars. Cover with a clean kitchen towel. Sterilize over medium heat. Once the water comes to a boil, leave on the heat for 35 minutes.

7. Cooling:
After the sterilizing time has elapsed, carefully remove the jars and place them hot in a thick blanket. Wrap them well to cool gradually. This method helps to increase the shelf life of the compote.

8. Storage:
Once completely cooled, label the jars and store in a cool place. If the place where you keep them is not very cool, you can add a little crushed aspirin or preservative to each jar to ensure better preservation.

Nutritional Benefits
Apricot compote is a good source of vitamins, especially vitamins A and C, which contribute to skin and immune system health. Eaten in moderation, this dessert is a healthy alternative to processed sweets.

Frequently Asked Questions

- Can I use other fruits?
Yes, you can experiment with other fruits such as peaches or plums. Be sure to adjust the sterilization time according to the type of fruit used.

- How can I improve the flavor of the compote?
Add a couple of cinnamon pods or a few slices of lemon slices to the syrup for extra flavor.

- How long does the compote last?
If stored correctly, apricot compote can last up to a year. Make sure the jars are airtight and stored at low temperatures.

Serving Suggestions
Apricot compote is delicious both hot and cold. Serve it with plain yogurt, ice cream or over pancakes. It is also perfect to use in cakes or tarts.

Unique
For a personal touch, you can add a few fresh mint leaves to the sugar syrup, giving the compote a fresh and refreshing taste. This variation will add a unique flavor and make the compote even more special.

Now that you have all the necessary information, you are ready to prepare this delicious apricot compote! Don't forget to enjoy every step of the process and savor the final result, which will bring a taste of summer on cold winter days!