Spiced Fruit with Cinnamon (Printable View)

Aromatic simmered seasonal fruits with warm cinnamon and spices, ideal for cozy or chilled enjoyment.

# Ingredient List:

→ Fruit

01 - 2 apples, peeled, cored, and cut into wedges
02 - 2 pears, peeled, cored, and cut into wedges
03 - 1 cup seedless grapes, halved
04 - 1 orange, peeled and segmented

→ Spices & Flavorings

05 - 2 cinnamon sticks
06 - 3 whole cloves
07 - 1 star anise
08 - 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

→ Sweetener & Liquid

09 - 1/3 cup honey or maple syrup
10 - 1/2 cup orange juice
11 - 1/4 cup water

→ Optional Garnishes

12 - 1/4 cup toasted chopped walnuts
13 - 1/4 cup Greek yogurt or dairy-free alternative

# How to Prepare:

01 - Place apples, pears, grapes, and orange segments into a large saucepan.
02 - Add cinnamon sticks, cloves, star anise, and ground nutmeg to the fruit.
03 - Pour in honey or maple syrup, orange juice, and water; stir gently to blend.
04 - Bring contents to a simmer over medium heat. Cover and cook for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until fruits are tender yet firm.
05 - Take saucepan off heat and discard cinnamon sticks, cloves, and star anise.
06 - Serve warm topped with toasted walnuts and a dollop of yogurt if desired; alternatively, chill and serve cold.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • It tastes decadent and feels indulgent, but you can actually eat it guilt-free any time of day.
  • The aroma alone is worth the fifteen minutes of prep—your kitchen will smell like a cozy dream.
  • It works equally well warm on a winter evening or chilled as a refreshing summer dessert.
02 -
  • Don't skip the whole spices—ground cinnamon will make the dish taste flat and bitter, while whole spices infuse the fruit with a subtle, lingering warmth.
  • The fruit will continue to soften as it cools, so pull it from the heat when it's still slightly firmer than you think you want it.
  • Save the cooking liquid—it's flavorful enough to drizzle over yogurt, ice cream, or even oatmeal the next morning.
03 -
  • Toast your walnuts in a dry pan for two minutes before serving—it transforms them from pleasant to absolutely essential.
  • If you're adding alcohol, add a splash of brandy or rum in the last minute of cooking so the alcohol mellows but the flavor remains.

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