Red Fruit Compote In White Chocolate Garnished With Mint Food

RED BERRY FRUIT COMPOTE (GERMAN ROTE GRüTZE)

Steps:

• In a large saucepan over a medium heat, cook the fruits in their juices and syrup, along with 150ml of the cranberry juice, the vanilla extract, cinnamon, sugar and rosewater for about 20 mins or until the fruits are soft.
• In a separate bowl, mix the remaining cranberry juice with the cornflour until it becomes smooth and milky without any lumps. Pour slowly into the hot fruit and continue stirring until mixed in well - the compote will thicken after a couple of mins. Remove from the heat and leave to cool. Transfer to a bowl, cover and chill in the fridge for a few hours before serving for best results in texture and flavour. Will keep for up to 1 week.
• Serve the compote in ramekins, small bowls or clean jam jars, with a generous dollop of vanilla custard. Sprinkle the chocolate shavings and pomegranate seeds on top, and finish with the mint leaves.

OLD-FASHIONED FRUIT COMPOTE

Steps:

• Drain pineapple, peaches and oranges, reserving the juices; set drained fruit aside. In a Dutch oven, combine fruit juice, dried fruits, lemon zest strips and cinnamon stick. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer until dried fruit is tender, about 30 minutes. Add reserved canned fruit and cherries; heat just until warmed through. Serve warm or at room temperature.

CREAM OF TOMATO SOUP WITH MINT

Steps:

• Heat 4 tablespoons of the oil in a large saucepan or Dutch oven over medium high heat. Add the shallots and onion and sweat until light brown, then add garlic and sweat another 3 minutes.
• Add the wine and reduce by half. Add the stock, canned tomatoes with juices, thyme and bay leaves to pan. Simmer uncovered for 45 minutes.
• Meanwhile, saute the fresh tomatoes in remaining 1 tablespoon oil for 2 minutes and set aside. Remove thyme sprigs and bay leaves from soup and puree soup in a blender. Stir in the sugar, lemon juice, 1 1/2 cups of the cream, salt and pepper. Return soup to saucepan and stir in Sauteed tomatoes, mint and chives. Gently warm soup over medium heat.
• Meanwhile, whip remaining 1/2 cup of cream to soft peak and fold in grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
• To serve, ladle soup into bowls, garnish with a dollop of whipped cream.

FRUIT COMPOTE

Steps:

• Place all ingredients in a zip-top bag and toss to combine. Microwave for 2 to 5 minutes, depending on your microwave, until softened and juicy. Serve warm over ice cream or frozen yogurt.

QUICK FRUIT COMPOTE

Steps:

• If using strawberries, hull, halve or quarter to make them a similar size to the other berries. Tip all the fruits into a large pan with 2-3 tbsp water, sugar to taste and your choice of flavourings.
• Bring to the boil then simmer for 3-5 mins. Don't overcook, or the fruits will not hold their shape. Keeps in the fridge for up to 2 days, in the freezer for up to 3 months.