Rhubarb-Strawberry Compote

Notes: This homey dessert was adapted from a recipe by Janet Rikala, former pastry chef at Postrio in San Francisco. You can substitute 2 teaspoons vanilla extract for the vanilla bean if desired; cook with fruit in step 2. You can cook the compote (through step 2) up to 1 day ahead; cool, cover, and chill. Stir gently over low heat until hot.

1 1/2 pounds strawberries

1 1/2 pounds fresh rhubarb

About 3/4 cup sugar

2 teaspoons cornstarch

1 vanilla bean (see notes)

1 teaspoon grated orange peel

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 quart vanilla ice cream

Lattice Cookies or shortbread cookies, optional

Step 1

Rinse and stem strawberries; cut each in half lengthwise. Rinse rhubarb well; trim off and discard ends. Slice stalks crosswise into 3/4-inch pieces.

Step 2

In a 3- to 4-quart pan, mix 3/4 cup sugar and cornstarch. Add berries and crush with a potato masher. Cut vanilla bean in half lengthwise and scrape seeds into pan. Add vanilla pod, orange peel, cinnamon, and rhubarb. Cover and cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until rhubarb is soft when pierced, 15 to 20 minutes. Taste, and add more sugar if desired.

Step 3

Remove vanilla pod. Spoon compote into bowls. Top with scoops (1/2 cup each) of ice cream and Lattice Cookies.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 0

Amount Per Serving
Calories 246Calories from Fat 28

% Daily Value *
Total Fat 7.7g12%

Saturated Fat 4.5g23%
Cholesterol 29mg10%
Sodium 56mg3%
Total Carbohydrate 44g15%

Dietary Fiber 2.1g9%
Protein 3.4g7%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

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Rhubarb-Strawberry Compote