Compote of Red and White Grapefruit with Cointreau

Recipe by: Georgeanne Brennan | from Christmas Sweets: 65 Festive Recipes, Table Decorations, Sweet Gift Ideas

Cookstr

Course: Dessert

Total Time: A Day Or More

Skill Level: Easy

Cost: Inexpensive

compote-of-red-and-white-grapefruit-with-cointreau

Photo by: Joseph De Leo

Grapefruits are one of the classic fruits of winter. When gently poached in a syrup and flavored with a little Cointreau, they can be a refreshing and unusual beginning to a holiday meal. If you prefer a breakfast version, simply omit the Cointreau.

Yield: Serves 5 to 6

INGREDIENTS

2 red grapefruits
1 white grapefruit
1½ cups water
½ cup granulated sugar
2 tablespoons Cointreau
5 to 6 sprigs of mint

Directions

Peel and segment the grapefruits with a knife. Remove the seeds and the white pith. In a saucepan, combine the water, sugar, and about half the peel from one of the red grapefruits. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring to dissolve the sugar.

Add the grapefruit, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 25 minutes, or until the segments have softened but still hold their shape.

Remove from the heat and discard the peel. Stir in the Cointreau, then let the grapefruit segments cool to room temperature in their syrup.

Cover and refrigerate for 24 hours. Divide among dessert bowls, garnish each with a mint sprig, and serve.