Winter Fruit Compote with Selection of Cheese
by Michael Chiarello
"Easy Entertaining with Michael Chiarello + Done in Advance Dinner Party"
www.foodnetwork.com

• 1 cup dry white wine
• 1/4 cup sweet Marsala wine
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/2 cinnamon stick
• 1/2 cup dried apricots, quartered
• 1/2 cup golden raisins
• 1/2 cup dried cherries
• Dash gray sea salt
• 1 cup Granny Smith apples, diced 1/4-inch thick cubes
• 1 cup pears, 1/4-inch slices
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 wedge sharp Cheddar
• 1 wedge Gorgonzola

In a 4-quart saucepan or pot bring the first 6 ingredients to a simmer. Stir slowly to dissolve the sugar in the liquid. Add the remaining ingredients except the lemon juice and the cheese. When the liquid comes to a boil, adjust the heat and simmer for about 20 minutes to marry the flavors and soften the fruit. Turn off the heat then stir in the lemon juice. With a slotted spoon remove the fruit to a bowl. Bring the remaining syrup to a simmer and reduce until lightly thickened or when the bubbles formed on the top become small. Remove the syrup for the heat and when it is cool pour it over the fruit. The compote can be held in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Serve the compote at room temperature with the cheese.