To Compote or Not to Compote....that is the Question

I was at the local thrift store today picking up what else...more milk glass (lol). To the lady behind the counter I stated that I would be willing to take the 2 compote dishes that were safely protected within a glass display case. She said the what?? The compote dishes to which I verbally guided her towards my choice. Then she asked me what is a compote?

According to dictionary.com the definition of a compote is this:

1.fruit stewed or cooked in a syrup, usually served as a dessert.
2.Also, compotier. a dish, usually of glass, china, or silver, having a base, stem, and often a lid, and used for serving fruit, nuts, candy, etc.

even though I have seen many other uses for this very quaint lovely dish. My mind was swelling with all the decorating possibilities these dishes will have come holiday season!

Therefore in the spirit of a compote and to assist all those who truly do not understand what a compote is; here is a recipe. I hope it helps!

FRESH FRUIT PUDDING COMPOTE

1 3/4 c. milk

3 oz. pkg. vanilla instant pudding mix

1 1/2 c. fresh blueberries

1 1/2 c. sliced bananas

1 tbsp. orange juice

1 c. whipped topping

1 1/2 c. sliced fresh strawberries

1 1/2 c. sliced peaches
Combine milk, orange juice, and instant pudding mix in bowl; beat at low speed of an electric mixer 1 minute. Add 1 cup whipped topping and beat an additional minute. Combine fruit; arrange half of fruit mixture in individual serving compotes; top with pudding mixture. Top with remaining fruit. Garnish with additional whipped topping, if desired.

The Compote Dish

This is one of the earlier pieces of milk glass I had in my collection and of course you currently see it posted as part of an eye catching attraction to have you peek at my blog. The compote dish as it is commonly referred to. Perusing through EBay i thought I had seen one with a lid on it but more common or not it looks as it does in the picture. I wasn't sure at first what a compote was. I have heard the word before but it's not a part of my every day vocabulary. Weeeeeeeeeeeeeellllllllll of course I looked it up and learned what it means. Right now it sits on my living room coffee table and every time i walk past it it says to me won't you please fill me up with something and soon???!!! It won't be compote at the moment but hopefully something really pretty and really soon. Hmmmm wonder if glittered sea shells will look great!! However a compote dish should have a great accompanying recipe to truly suit its purpose. Here's one that I found that is just right for the current season we are in.

Rhubarb-Apple Compote

2 1/2 cups chopped rhubarb

2 apples peeled, cored and chopped

1/3 cup white sugar

1/2 cup water

Simmer all ingredients on low heat until rhubarb is soft.

You can puree in a processor if you like it extra smooth!

Makes approximately 3 cups.

Refrigerate.

This mixture really adds to hot oatmeal in the morning.