Fig and lemon peel compote

With such good fig harvest this year, I have to come up with more ways to use them. This compote can be used as jam on bread or the filling of a pie.

fig & lemon peel compote

1. Cut figs into thin slices or pieces, mix in 1/4 its weight of brown sugar or more, depending on sweetness of the figs. Let it soften for at least 2 hours, juice will come out.

2. Use lemon with the white pith that is not bitter, cut peel into small cubes. If you cannot find this variety, use normal lemon but have to blanch the peel 3 times to get rid of bitter taste. Add to fig mixture, together with as much lemon juice as you like the taste of, and a piece of cinnamon stick (optional).

3. Bring the mixture to boil for a couple of minutes, put lid on and let it cool down. Repeat the same process 2 more times, when it cools down or the next day. This helps to soften the figs and peel without cooking too much.

4. Finally, simmer the mixture for 5 minutes or cook down to as thick a texture as you like, fill sterilized jam jars.