Apricot Fruit Compote with
Vanilla Nut Cream Makes 4 servings You can make a sinfully delicious cream sauce by combining ground nuts and maple syrup.

Prep Time: 5 to 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 to 30 minutes

Compote:

1/2 cup dried apricots
1/4 cup pitted prunes
1 apple, sliced
1 pear, sliced
1 cinnamon stick
1/8 teaspoon nutmeg
1 cup apple juice

Nut cream:

1/2 cup raw, unsalted cashews
3 tablespoons maple syrup
2 teaspoons vanilla
2 teaspoons brandy (optional)
Water

1. Place all compote ingredients in a medium-sized pan; bring to a boil. Lower the heat and simmer, covered, for 20 to 30 minutes, until all the fruit is soft. Remove cinnamon stick.

2. Grind nuts to a fine meal in a blender. Add maple syrup, vanilla and brandy and blend again. With blender running, add water a few drops at a time until you have a thick, creamy consistency. Put compote in individual serving bowls and top with nut cream.