Spicy apple compote (sweet and spicy) for 3 servings

Ingredients for 3 servings:

• 500 g apples, peeled, pitted and cut into pieces
• 1 pepper, red, pitted and cut into fine strips
• 125 ml water
• 125 ml cider or apple juice
• ½ lemon(s), the juice
• 1 bag of vanilla sugar
• 1 tsp, smothered cinnamon

Instructions

Working time approx. 15 minutes; Cooking/baking time approx. 10 minutes; Total time approx. 25 minutes

Chocolate chili is also available

Place the apples in a saucepan that’s tall rather than wide, and pour in all the liquid. Add the lemon juice, vanilla sugar, and cinnamon; mix everything well. Place the peppers in a tea strainer or spice infuser and place them in the apple water (a clean, tightly tied linen cloth will also work). Cover and bring to a boil over high heat. Boil everything, then immediately reduce the heat to low, keep the lid on, and simmer for about 8 minutes. After 8 minutes, test the bite of an apple piece—careful, it’ll be sharper than usual (it’s meant to be compote, not applesauce). If the bite is okay, remove the apple pieces from the cooking water with a slotted spoon and place them in a bowl to cool. If you like, add a little more of the apple cooking water. DO NOT discard the apple cooking water; you can use it to top up the next batch of pasta or rice. Use the peppers in your next casserole, spread, vegetable stew, etc. The applesauce goes perfectly with anything pan-fried or grilled—I’ve even eaten it with potato pancakes.