Mixed Berry Compote for Winter

Cooking method

1. Step 1:

   

   Use firm apples for the compote. Look them over carefully for any damage and pick whole fruit. Wash off any dirt. Cut each apple into 4 pieces and remove the core. Pack the apple pieces into a clean 2-liter jar.

2. Step 2:

   

   Add the washed chokeberries, red currants, and strawberries to the jar.

3. Step 3:

   

   Separately, bring the water to a boil. Pour the boiling water over the contents of the jar, right to the top. Cover with a lid and let it sit for 15 minutes. In that time everything inside will heat through.

4. Step 4:

   

   Then pour all the liquid from the jar into a pot, leaving the berries in the jar. Add the sugar to the pot and set it on the heat. Bring it to a boil and cook for 2–3 minutes so all the sugar dissolves well.

5. Step 5:

   

   Pour the boiling syrup back over the contents of the jar. Fill it right to the top so there's no empty space left. Seal the compote with an airtight lid. Scald the lids with boiling water first.

6. Step 6:

   

   Turn the sealed compote upside down. This checks the jar for a tight seal — no syrup should be leaking anywhere, and it should stay dry. Wrap the inverted jars in a blanket and let them cool like that.

7. Step 7:

   

   Move the cooled compote to a cool place for long-term storage. This compote will be a treat on cold winter evenings. Enjoy!