Who doesn’t love cranberries?  And especially at this time of year — when their colors reflect the warmth of the season — why not make a slightly boozy, fresh and festive cranberry-cherry compote to accompany your holiday meal. This tart-sweet compote also makes a great appetizer when served warm with sweet potato chips.

Fresh And Festive Cranberry Compote Recipe

1 bag fresh cranberries, sorted and washed

5 oz. Wild Oats Marketplace Organic Dark Sweet Cherries (1/2 a bag)

1/4 cup orange liquor such as Cointreau*

1 cup fresh orange juice with pulp

2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

2 teaspoons fresh orange zest

1 teaspoon fresh lemon zest

1 cup (or to taste) sugar**

1 tablespoon dark rum such as Myers***

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/4 teaspoon almond extract

1 1/2 cups water

2 tablespoons corn starch

Put cranberries, cherries, orange juice, Cointreau, lemon juice, sugar, Myers, 1 cup of water and orange and lemon zests in a large, non-reactive saucepan.  Stir and bring to a boil over medium heat, then reduce heat to low and simmer for about 10 minutes or until the cranberries pop.  In a small bowl stir cornstarch into remaining 1/2 cup water, then stir mixture into the cranberry mixture.  Stir to combine. Cook on low, stirring occasionally until mixture thickens, 1-2 minutes.  Remove from heat and stir in vanilla and almond extracts.  Allow mixture to cool, then refrigerate for up to 4 days in an airtight container. Can be served cold, or reheat and serve warm.

*Omit Cointreau by adding an extra 1/4 cup of the orange juice.

** Adjust sugar to suit your taste

***Omit Myers rum if desired