This is the perfect dessert for your fall and winter entertaining and casual get-togethers. Cinnamon, cloves and star anise lend this fruity dessert its rich flavor. Best of all, the fruit compote can be made up to two days ahead and kept in the fridge until you are ready to serve.
Poached pineapple with winter spices (serves 6 to 8)
1 1/2 cups (375ml) water
1/3 cup (65g) brown sugar
3 cinnamon sticks, broken in half
4 cloves, whole
1 star anise, whole
3 slices of fresh ginger, peeled
2 slices lemon
1 pineapple, peeled, cored, sliced and cut into bite sized pieces
a handful of fresh blackberries
good quality vanilla ice cream
cinnamon powder
Place the water, sugar, cinnamon sticks, cloves, star anise, ginger and lemon in a medium sized saucepan over medium heat and stir until the sugar has dissolved. Bring to a boil, cover and allow to simmer for 10 minutes to blend the flavors. Next, add the pineapple and simmer again until pineapple is translucent (about 8 minutes). Transfer to a bowl and refrigerate for at least two hours. Gently stir in the blackberries and serve in individual bowls topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and sprinkle with some cinnamon powder.
