Blood Orange Compote With Star Anise

Total Time: 2 hrs 10 mins Preparation Time: 1 hr Cook Time: 1 hr 10 mins

Ingredients

• Servings: 8
• 8 blood oranges
• 1 cup water
• 1 cup sugar
• 3 pieces star anise
• 1/4 cup creme de cassis (optional)

Recipe

• 1 set aside the zest from 6 oranges.
• 2 peel & remove the pith from all oranges; remove the seeds & cut the oranges into generous 1/4" thick slices. arrange them in layers in a shallow serving bowl.
• 3 in a heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat, combine the water & sugar; heat & stir often until the sugar dissolves, about 5 minute add zest of about 5 1/2 oranges (reserving the remaining for garnish) & star anise; reduce the heat to low & simmer, uncovered, until thick syrup has formed & the flavors have blended, about 1 hours (if not using creme de cassis, cook syrum about 45 min until thin).
• 4 remove the pan from the heat & discard the zest; stir in the creme de cassis. pour the hot syrup over the oranges; cover & let stand at room temperature at least 1 hr & up to 12. if serving later, cover & refrigerate.
• 5 to serve, julienne the remaining zest & sprinkl it over the top of the oranges.