This spice-scented compote makes a great accompaniment to the New York cheesecake.

Active time:10 min Start to finish:1 hr.

Makes 8 to 10 servings (about 2 cups).

INGREDIENTS

  • 2 cups apple juice
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 4 (2 1/2- by 1/2-inch) strips fresh lemon zest
  • 1 cinnamon stick, halved
  • 3 whole cloves
  • 10 black peppercorns,cracked
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 2 firm pears, peeled and each cut into 8 wedges with core removed
  • 1/2 cup dried apricots
  • 1/2 cup dried tart cherries
  • 4 dried calimyrna figs, quartered
  • 2 tablespoons calvados
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

    DIRECTIONS

    Bring apple juice, sugar, zest, and spices to a boil in a 2-quart saucepan, stirring until sugar is dissolved, and simmer 5 minutes. Add butter, pears, and dried fruit and simmer, uncovered, stirring occasionally, until pears are tender, about 25 minutes. Pour liquid through a sieve into another saucepan and boil until reduced to ‚ cup. Pour liquid back over fruit and stir in Calvados and lemon juice.


    Serve warm or at room temperature.Cooks’ note:
    • Compote keeps, covered and chilled,1 week.