Summary. Compotes are all-purpose serving dishes. These usually footed bowls — with or without lids or covers — held special desserts, fruits, candies or sauces, jellies and other foods. Blown or pressed glass compotes provided a culinary presentation method suitable to 19th-century middle-class households.
What is a compote?
The easiest way to describe a compote is a dish, bowl or vessel that is on a pedestal or some kind of footed stand. They can be used for a candy dish, a centerpiece, to hold a collection. Simply put, they can be used in lieu of a standard bowl where you want to add visual interest and height!
Compotes can be made of porcelain, glass, crystal, brass, silver and many other materials.
It’s all about compotes! See my collection along with uses and a bit of history.
FAQ
What is the purpose of a compote?
What is a compote? The easiest way to describe a compote is a dish, bowl or vessel that is on a pedestal or some kind of footed stand. They can be used for a candy dish, a centerpiece, to hold a collection. Simply put, they can be used in lieu of a standard bowl where you want to add visual interest and height!
What do I do with compote?
Compote is fresh, saucy and sweet, and ready in as little as 15 minutes. You can make compote ahead of time and warm it up or throw it onto the stove after dinner. Serve it on ice cream for dessert, yogurt or toast the next morning, or anything else that could use some fruity flavor. You really can’t go wrong.
Can you eat compote on its own?
Compotes are delicious served all by themselves as a dessert at the end of a meal. They are usually served warm but are sometimes chilled. They can also be used as the star ingredient in other dishes.
What type of food is compote?
Compote or compôte (French for stewed fruit) is a dessert originating from medieval Europe, made of whole or pieces of fruit in sugar syrup. Whole fruits are cooked in water with sugar and spices.
