Orange and Berry Fruit Compote

I'm getting ready to go to our Christmas brunch and had fresh blueberries and raspberries but not enough to make something big so I decided to make a compote out of them with a can of Mandarin oranges to extend it a bit (One of my mom's tricks and skills she taught me.  She could extend everything to feed 8 kids.  This is my first year without her so this in honor of you mom).  Turned out pretty tasty.  I'll share because I think it is good enough to make again and share with others.

Try putting it over ham, pancakes, blintzes or crapes.  You can serve it warm or cold.  Try it hot on the top of ice cream.

¼ cup sugar (you may use less if you like)

1 can of Mandarin oranges with juice (I had a small can but you could use a large one also)

1 tsp. vanilla extract

¼  tsp. cinnamon 

1 cup raspberries

1 cup blueberries

1 Tbp. cornstarch

Pinch of salt (you can leave out but it increases the sweet taste)

  

Set half the juice of the canned Mandarin oranges aside.  In a pan pour in the balance of the can of oranges, blueberries, raspberries, sugar, pinch of salt, sugar and vanilla.  Cook until the berries begin to pop.

Make a slurry with the cornstarch and the ½ can of orange juice you set aside.  While the fruit is boiling add the slurry.  Pour slowly into hot mixture, stirring constantly until the compote is thickened to your satisfaction.  I did not use all of the slurry. Take off the heat and serve warm or you can put it in the refrigerator and serve it cold.  

Variation - Try making it with cranberries instead of oranges for a more holiday taste.

Wishing you and yours a very warm, safe, wonderful Christmas.  May God bless you and yours.