Tropical Fruit Compote

Fresh or cooked fruits make a great low-calorie dessert.

Ingredients:

3/4 cup water
1/2 cup sugar
2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
1 piece lemon peel
1/2 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)

Directions:

1. In a saucepan combine 3/4 cup of water with the sugar, 000lemon 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.

Serve with Homemade Sour Cream