Dutch Mennonite Dried Fruit Compote in Creamy Syrup

This is an unusual compote of dried fruits that cooks up plump and tender in a smooth, saucy spiced syrup. The recipe is an old Dutch-German one from Vivian Schellenberg, owner of The Prune Tree in Dallas, Oregon, whose orchards were planted more than a century ago.

The compote is best served warm; try it also over a slice of spongecake or spooned over warmed crepes.