Blackberry and Plum Compote with Shortbread
(compote)
2 cups dry red wine
3/4 cup sugar
2 cinnamon sticks
1 vanilla bean
1/2 t whole allspice berries
2 cups blackberries, rinsed and picked over
1 lb. plums, thinly sliced
1/2 sup whipping cream
1 T powdered sugar
1/2 t vanilla
(shortbread cookies)
2 cups minus 2 T flour
1/4 sup cornstarch
3/4 t cinnamon, divided
1/4 t nutmeg
1/4 t salt
1/2 lb. unsalted butter, room temperature
1/2 cup light brown sugar
1 t vanilla
1 t granulated sugar
>how to make<
(for compote)
*In a saucepan combine the red wine, sugar, cinnamon sticks, vanilla bean and allspice berries.
*Bring to a boil and continue to cook at a low boil for about 10 minutes, or until syrupy
*Put the blackberries and plums in a glass bowl and strain the syrup over the fruit to remove the allspice.
*Put the cinnamon sticks and vanilla bean back in with the fruit and stir.
*Refrigerate until cooled; cover and chill completely; stir occasionally.
(for shortbread cookies)
*Shift together the flour, cornstarch, 1/2 t cinnamon, the nutmeg and salt.
*With an electric mixer cream together the butter and brown sugar until fluffy.
*Scrape the bowl occasionally.
*Slowly add the flour mixture; finish the blending with your hands but do not overwork.
*Divide the dough in half and press into two ungreased 9" glass pie pans.
*With a small spatula put the edges of the dough away from the sided of the pans, leaving about 1/8" space.
*Refrigerate 30 minutes.
*Score the top of each shortbread into 12 wedges.
*Combine the remaining 1/4 t cinnamon and the granulated sugar.
*Sprinkle over the top of each shortbread.
*Bake in a preheated 325 degree oven 30 minutes.
*Cool in the pans for 30 minutes on wire racks.
*Cut the into wedges, remove from the pans and finish cooling on the racks.
(for assembly)
*When ready to serve the dessert, whip the cream with the powdered sugar and vanilla until soft peaks form.
*Serve the fruit with it's syrup and some of the cream; serve the shortbread on the aide.
-serves 6-
Labels: blackberry plum compote recipe, fruit compote recipe, shortbread cookie recipe