Advent :: Day twenty

For me, the most favourite part of this time of year is the making and sharing of food, eating and enjoying it together. Providing a feast for family and friends is always a pleasure, especially if it involves baking. But sometimes after all the richness of chocolate, mince pies and gingerbread etc. I long for something light and refreshing... just like this warming fruit salad which I made for our book club party.

 

 

Blueberry and Orange Compote

 

125g golden granulated sugar

1 lime

approx 2-3cm piece of fresh ginger, peeled

Slug of orange liqueur (optional)

10 large oranges

450g blueberries

 

Place the sugar in a small pan with  enough water to cover it, bring to the boil and simmer until the sugar has dissolved. Add the juice of the lime and grate the ginger into the syrup. Add a generous glug of orange flavoured liqueur. Working over a bowl to catch the juices, and using a serrated knife, peel the oranges removing the white pith. Cut into slices, removing any pips. Place the oranges and blueberries in a bowl with the juice and pour the syrup over. Allow to stand for a few hours.

 

Perfect with a big chunk of gingerbread!