Onion, Prune, and Chestnut Compote

Here’s a real grown-up accompaniment to soothe the more sophisticated palates while the kids are slurping down the mashed potatoes, gravy, and cranberry jelly. This dish, based on an idea by Diane Rossen Worthington, is rich and quite exquisite.

Actually we couldn’t quite decide whether this is a condiment or a vegetable, so we decided it’s both. In smaller quantities it is an elegant condiment; in larger amounts it is a flavorful vegetable.