Compote (for Winter)

To prepare a delicious lemon fruit preserve, it is essential to start with fresh and healthy ingredients. Choose ripe but firm fruits that are not too soft to ensure a pleasant texture after the preservation process. Ideal fruits can include peaches, plums, apples, or pears, each bringing a unique flavor and delicious taste. After selecting the fruits, wash them thoroughly under a stream of cold water, removing any impurities. Carefully remove the stems, ensuring no remnants are left.

Next, take a fresh lemon, wash it well, and cut it into slices about 0.5 cm thick, then cut each slice into quarters. These pieces of lemon will add a tangy taste and a refreshing aroma to the composition. Prepare 800g jars, ensuring they are clean and well sterilized. It is recommended to use jars with screw caps that seal tightly to prevent air from entering and ensure optimal preservation.

Start placing the pieces of fruit in the jars, interspersing the lemon pieces among them. This will create a contrast of colors and flavors that will make the preserve not only tasty but also visually appealing. After filling the jars, pour water almost to the rim, being careful not to fill them completely to allow for the expansion of the liquid during the boiling process.

Once you have completed this step, pour the water from the jars into a pot that you place on the heat. Add 3 tablespoons of granulated sugar for each jar, stirring gently to help dissolve the sugar. Allow the mixture to heat gently without bringing it to a boil to avoid caramelizing the sugar. Once the sugar has completely dissolved, add a teaspoon of vanilla sugar to each jar, which will provide an additional note of flavor.

Fill the jars with the obtained sugar syrup, ensuring that the fruits and lemon are completely covered. Put on the lids and place the jars in a tray, which you put in the oven on low heat. Let them boil for 15 minutes, then turn off the heat and let the jars cool in the oven until the next day. This slow cooling method helps seal in the flavors and strengthen the preservation.

After the jars have completely cooled, transfer them to a pantry in a cool, dark place. This way, you will have a delight of preserved fruits at hand, perfect for enjoying during the winter, bringing a touch of summer to each jar. This recipe will not only delight your taste buds but will also turn every meal into an unforgettable culinary experience.