Cranberry Apple Compote

Directions

1. 1
   Place the cinnamon stick, allspice, sugar and 1 bag (12 oz) of cranberries in a heavy saucepan with the water; cook over moderate heat. Stir occasionally until you hear some of the cranberries start to pop. x Tastes good cold, hot, warm, room temp...you get the picture. NOTE:
2. 2
   Add 1/2 of the second bag of cranberries (6 oz) and simmer for an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally
3. 3
   Peel and core the apple(s) and dice into small pieces, about the size of your pinky nail. Add to the cranberry mixture along with the rest of the crannies and the walnuts.
4. 4
   Add the 1/4 cup of orange juice and the orange zest. Cook for another 5 minutes.
5. 5
   Add the Calvados cooking another minute until blended.
6. 6
   Remove from heat and remove the cinammon stick.
7. 7
   NOTE: Feel free to make this sweeter. We don't like it overly sweet, though I know the kids might eat more of it if it were sweeter. Let it cool and taste it. If it needs more sweet, place a 1/4 cup sugar with 1/2 cup water until sugar dissolves; then mix it and let it sit for a few days. By the way, I usually make this a week in advance. It lasts for weeks.