Ingredients

  • 6 tart apples, such as Red Delicious, Golden Delicious, Braeburn, or Granny Smith, peeled, cored, and cut into 1/2-inch dice
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • Pinch of freshly grated nutmeg
  • 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • Pinch of kosher salt
  • Pinch of cayenne pepper or freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon fresh lemon juice

Method

  • Stir together the apples, cinnamon, nutmeg, brown sugar, butter, salt, and cayenne pepper in a 2-quart noncorrodible saucepan.
  • Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat.
  • Reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  • The compote is ready when the apples are very soft.
  • Remove the compote from the heat and stir in the lemon juice.
  • Spoon the compote into a serving bowl.