Bartlett Pear Compote


     In the quest of finding ways to feed my picky grandson my daughter and I started a Friday night appetizer tradition. Every week we pick different types of appetizers and try to tempt him to eat something different. We carefully select the recipes, some we make just with him in mind like pizza, some of the others are just for my daughter and I to enjoy. This particular creation has become one of our staples.  I use this pear compote to make a crostini with a layer of spreadable goat cheese, brie cheese, prosciutto and the pear compote. We love the different layers, textures and flavors in this crostini combination.
                       
               
Ingredients:

 4 Bartlett pears, dice (about 4 cups)
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
The juice and zest of 1 large lemon
1 star anise
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

 Prosciutto
Creamy goat cheese
French Brie cheese
To prepare the pears:

In a glass bowl mix 2 cups of water with 1/4 cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice.
    
   In a medium saucepan add the sugar, ginger, cinnamon, lemon zest and mix until combined. Add the pears and gently fold in with a rubber spatula. Bring to a boil over medium heat and add the lemon juice. Cover and turn down the heat to low then simmer for 15 minutes stirring often.

Uncover, turn the heat to medium and cook for 15 more minutes stirring almost constantly until you can see the bottom of the pan. Remove from the heat and transfer to sterilized jars.


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