Plum and Apple Compote for the Break-Fast

A plum and apple compote made a day ahead and waiting cold in the fridge, right for the moment the fast ends. Liquid, moderately sweet and not fatty, it's the first thing that goes into the body after twenty-five hours.

Why make this a day ahead

The compote improves overnight in the fridge, as the flavors meld and it chills all the way through. It also means there's nothing to prepare the moment the fast ends, just take it out of the fridge.

It also keeps well beyond that first night, staying good in a sealed container for up to five days.

How much sugar you actually need

The sugar here is deliberately moderate, since this is the first thing the body gets after a long fast. Adjust the amount at the end of cooking, depending on how sweet the fruit itself is.

Honey or date syrup works in place of the sugar, in the same amount, though taste again after swapping since either one changes the fruit's flavor slightly.

When the fruit has softened enough

The plums should be soft enough to fall apart under a spoon, and the liquid should have thickened instead of staying watery. Once the plum skins start splitting on their own, the fruit has cooked through. Pull the cinnamon stick out before the compote goes into the fridge, since it keeps releasing flavor the longer it sits.