Spiked Fresh Fruit Compote

Ingredients:
2 apples and/or pears, cored and cut up
2 tablespoons orange juice
1 tablespoon lemon juice
2 cups assorted fresh fruits (such as strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, peaches, blueberries)
4 teaspoons granulated sugar
1 teaspoon finely shredded orange peel (optional)
1/3 cup champagne or white grape juice, chilled

Garnish: (optional)
2 tablespoons sliced almonds, toasted
Whipped cream or creme fraiche
Fresh mint leaves

Instructions:
In a large bowl combine cut-up apples and/or pears with the orange juice and lemon juice; toss gently to prevent fruit from discoloring. Add remaining fruit, the sugar, and shredded orange peel, if using; toss again. Cover and refrigerate fruit mixture for at least 1 hour or up to 2 hours.

Just before serving, stir in chilled champagne or grape juice. If desired, sprinkle with almonds, top with a dollop of whipped cream or creme fraiche, and garnish with fresh mint leaves.

Makes 6 servings.

Make-Ahead Tip: Up to 2 hours ahead, prepare fruit mixture. Cover and chill. To serve, add champagne or grape juice and garnish as directed.

Date: May 24, 2003