Tropical Fruit Compote

Ingredients:

• ¾ cup water
• ½ cup sugar
• 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 piece lemon peel
• ½ teaspoon rum or vanilla extract (optional)
• 1 pineapple, cored and peeled, cut into 8 slices
• 2 mangos, peeled and pitted, cut into 8 pieces
• 3 bananas peeled, cut into 8 diagonal pieces
• fresh mint leaves (optional)

1. In a saucepan combine ¾ cup of water with the sugar, lemon juice, and lemon peel (and rum or vanilla extract if desired).  Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and add the fruit.  Cook at a very low heat for 5 minutes.
2. Pour the syrup in a cup.  Remove the lemon rind and cool the cooked fruit for 2 hours.
3. To serve the compote, arrange the fruit in a serving dish and pour a few teaspoons of syrup over the fruit.  Garnish with mint leaves.
4. May serve with Homemade Sour Cream.

From Flavors of Fiesta by University of Illinois Extension