CIRI’S OTHERWORLDLY WINTER KOMPOT

Midinváerne on the Continent: A Wintertime Culinary Recipes

hot fruit drink with pears, apples, cranberries, and spices

Ciri’s Otherworldly Winter Compote is an attempt to recreate the taste of a childhood - a drink that warmed up after playing in the snow and was always waiting for her along with other delicacies prepared for Midinváerne in the castle kitchen.  Ciri, staying in many places, experimented with various fruits, but only the version of Cintra’s cooks - made of pears, apples and dried cranberries with the addition of vinegar, cloves and honey - can evoke the distinct festive atmosphere!

Check out this last of 5 Holiday-themed Witcher-inspired recipes that will allow you to conjure up winter specialties from the farthest corners in your own kitchen! The recipes were prepared in cooperation with CD PROJEKT RED for the needs of Holiday gift booklet in 2021.

SERVING: 3 portions

1. Wash the pears and apples thoroughly, remove the cores and stems, then cut into generous chunks.
2. In a medium-sized pot, combine the apple and pear chunks, water, sugar, vinegar (or lemon juice), cloves, cranberry, and dried apple slices. Bring the mixture to a boil, then turn the heat to low and simmer for 3 minutes. Turn down the heat and let it sit for 10 minutes.
3. Sweeten with honey or add more water if needed. Discard cloves.
4. Serve at lukewarm temperature with chunks of cooked fruits — you can also add a few slices of fresh fruits.

Tip: The sweet-sour taste balance of the drink depends on the sweetness of fruits you use, but you can adjust it by adding more vinegar/lemon juice and honey/sugar to get the perfect taste!