Cherry Compote

Turkey sandwiches are a pretty regular fixture in my everyday diet. They're healthy, delicious, and versatile. Thinly sliced deli turkey tastes good on all types of bread from focaccia to sliced wheat, and it pairs with almost everything, be it pear butter or barbecue sauce.

One sandwich that's absolutely amazing is the classic Thanksgiving leftover sandwich that joins sweet-juicy cranberry with thick-hearty turkey. This sandwich is beloved by many; but why, then, is it only enjoyed in the weekend after the third Thursday in November? Isn't the combination scrumptious enough to be eaten in the warmer months, too?

Recently I put this idea to the test by throwing together a cherry compote and turkey sandwich. It has all the familiar elements of the classic, but is Summer friendly. Genius! Oh and I forget to mention: it's really good. There's nothing more to say, except make it now.

One popular way to take advantage of Summer's bounty of berries is to make jelly or jam. However, for some reason, I'm totally uninterested in canning and preserving. In an attempt to take baby steps towards homemade jam, I started with compote. The easy recipe only requires about 20 minutes of cook time. The resulting compote is totally versatile and delicious. It can be served warm or chilled, and with a texture of soft but still plump cherries is reminiscent of cranberry sauce at Thanksgiving. The addition of rosemary provides a subtle earthiness. I plan to serve mine on a cheese platter with grilled bread. Want to learn how it's made? Get the recipe.