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– 4 medium-sized apples (preferably tart varieties like Granny Smith), peeled, cored, and chopped into small pieces
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste depending on the sweetness of the apples)
– 1/4 cup water
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
1. **Prepare the Apples:**
– Peel, core, and chop the apples into small, bite-sized pieces. Try to make the pieces roughly uniform in size so they cook evenly.
2. **Cook the Apples:**
– In a medium saucepan, combine the chopped apples, granulated sugar, water, ground cinnamon, and lemon juice.
– Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
3. **Simmer:**
– Once the mixture is simmering, reduce the heat to low and let the apples cook, stirring occasionally, for about 15-20 minutes, or until the apples are tender and slightly softened.
4. **Mash or Leave Chunky:**
– Depending on your preference, you can either leave the compote chunky or use a potato masher to mash it to your desired consistency. If you prefer a smoother compote, you can blend it briefly with an immersion blender.
5. **Add Vanilla (Optional):**
– If using vanilla extract, stir it into the compote at this stage. The vanilla adds a lovely aroma and enhances the flavor, but it’s optional if you prefer a simpler cinnamon and apple taste.
6. **Adjust Sweetness:**
– Taste the compote and adjust the sweetness if necessary by adding more sugar, a little at a time, until it reaches your desired level of sweetness. Keep in mind that the sweetness may vary depending on the apples used.
7. **Serve or Store:**
– Once the compote reaches your desired consistency and sweetness, remove it from the heat and let it cool slightly.
– Serve the apple and cinnamon compote warm as a topping for pancakes, waffles, oatmeal, yogurt, ice cream, or as a filling for crepes and pastries.
– Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. The compote can also be frozen for longer storage.
Enjoy the comforting flavors of this homemade Apple and Cinnamon Compote, perfect for adding a touch of sweetness to your breakfast or dessert dishes!