How to chill a compote?
Our apricot tree is overloaded with apricots this year so I have been trying out a variety of different apricot recipes. I am particularily enjoying an apricot compote recipe, however I am having trouble interpreting one step in the recipe:
- Cook over medium heat, turning occasionally, until apricots are glazed and syrupy, 7-8 minutes.
- Transfer to a small bowl and chill.
The chill part has me confused as I am not sure if I should let the syrup chill to room temperature on the counter then cover and store in the refrigerator. Or if I should remove from the heat and immediately store it in the refrigerator. What's the best mechanism for chilling a hot compote?
Best Answer
There is nothing especially interesting going on in a hot compote. You can chill it as quickly or slowly as you want to, until it reaches the desired temperature. Food safety requires that you don't keep it for more than 4 hours in the danger zone (between 60°C and 4°C), but if it is in individual serving bowls, on-the-counter chilling should be enough. Also, don't put large amounts of hot liquids in the fridge, you risk raising the entire fridge's temperature to unsafe levels, and the inside of a large container won't cool quickly enough to leave the danger zone. If you made lots of compote at once and want it very cold, chill it in an ice water bath.
The final temperature can be whatever you prefer. I eat my compote slightly colder than room temperature (15°C to 20°C). You can eat it fridge-cold, room temperature, or even hot, if it tastes better to you.
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Can you refrigerate compote?
Unlike jams and jellies, home-made compotes should be kept in sterilised jars in the fridge (for up to two weeks) or frozen for later use.Should compote be warm or cold?
You can make compote ahead of time and warm it up or throw it onto the stove after dinner. Serve it on ice cream for dessert, yogurt or toast the next morning, or anything else that could use some fruity flavor. You really can't go wrong.Should compote be cold?
Serve this fruit duo warm or chilled as a side dish with ham or a roast. Or dress it up for dessert with whipped cream and shaved chocolate.How long does compote keep in the fridge?
Stir well and remove from heat. Let the compote cool off completely. Transfer to a clean pint jar and store in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.How to make any Fruit Compote, Natural Long Shelf Life \u0026 No Additives
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