Winter Fruit Compote

1. Combine Ingredients

Pour the fresh orange juice into a medium-size saucepan, then add the orange zest and brown sugar. Stir gently to combine.

2. Add Dried Fruits

Add the golden raisins, Zante currants, dried cherries, diced dried apricots, and diced dried apples to the saucepan and mix well.

3. Infuse with Vanilla and Star Anise

Split the vanilla bean and scrape the seeds into the saucepan, then add the bean itself. Optionally, add a star anise for extra flavor.

4. Simmer and Thicken

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat and cook for 3 to 5 minutes, until the fruits plump up and the liquid thickens into a syrup.

5. Cool and Discard Spices

Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the compote cool slightly. Discard the vanilla bean, orange zest, and star anise before serving.