Grandma's Compote Recipe
My mother was a very special person. She was born and died on the same day, the last night of Hanukkah. Jewish tradition holds that when a person's birthday and Yahrzeit fall on the same day, it is a sign that they are righteous. If that is what tradition says, who am I to argue?
I often wonder, what was it about my grandmother that could have earned her the title of a righteous person? She was a strong personality. She always spoke her mind, and nothing and no one stood in her way when she wanted something. Probably not exactly the usual traits of a righteous person. But if there was one thing that truly made her special, it was her absolute belief that there was abundance in the world, and that God would always provide. During the war, she used to give her food to others, saying: “They need it, we will manage.” True faith in abundance!
I love that my mother’s Yahrzeit falls on the last night of Hanukkah, a time when Jews all over the world light countless candles—even an abundance of candles. I take comfort in my belief that my mother’s soul is drawn to the light of the candles and visits those in need. I encourage others to embrace the same faith in abundance, to turn to the God who provides for all, and to know that we will never lack anything.
In her memory, I am sharing with you my favorite recipe of hers – her compote recipe. Every Sunday we would go to my grandparents’ house for lunch. Dessert was my favorite part – cookies and compote. The leftovers would come home with us in a Maxwell House coffee jar, sealed with a piece of wax paper to prevent leaks. To this day, an empty Maxwell House jar makes me crave compote.
The compote recipe fits in nicely with her Yahrzeit, as applesauce is often served as a side dish to traditional Hanukkah potato pancakes. And honestly, serving homemade applesauce is a major upgrade—everyone is so impressed with homemade applesauce. I have no idea why, because it’s really easy to make, but people think you’ve done something special if you make it yourself. So if you want to impress someone, here’s your ticket to fame.
I consider myself a very lucky person. While my sister, the eldest daughter, inherited my grandmother’s Shabbat candlesticks, I inherited the “less valuable” item – my mother’s compote strainer (also known as a food mill). Food mills are a kitchen tool that has almost disappeared from the world, but they definitely simplify the entire process of making compote. With a food mill, there is no need to peel and core the apples beforehand – you simply put them in a pot, and when they soften, pass them through the strainer. While my mill makes the process easier, even without it, making compote is no big deal.
Ingredients :
10 golden apples, peeled and cored
1/4 cup water
3/4 cup orange juice (or to taste)
Put the water in a saucepan and bring to a boil. Add the apples and cook over low heat for about an hour, or until the apples are soft. Remove from heat, add the orange juice and run through a food mill or blend with a stick blender.
Store in the refrigerator and serve cold.
Of course, compote is the perfect addition to pancakes. Here is a recipe for pancakes reduced by 75% fat
Note: If you want, you can add cinnamon – just don’t tell Uma, she hates cinnamon.
In memory of my grandmother, I am offering a free massage candle with every purchase . The offer is valid for the eight days of Hanukkah.