Compote of Fresh and Dried Fruits

The idea here is to have a sparkling combination of fruits that keep their identity and are not over-cooked. You can add whatever fresh fruits you like in addition to the berries; for example, a slice or two of mango, papaya, or kiwi makes a nice addition at serving time. The compote can be warmed to order in a microwave or on the stovetop. I’ve suggested a dollop of Vanilla Bean Ice Cream here, but you could substitute mascarpone, yogurt, Yogurt Cheese, or sour cream if you want.