Curried Fruit Compote

Directions

1. 1
   Bring the water to a boil in a medium saucepan.
2. 2
   Pour 1/4 cup of the water into a glass measuring cup, add the cranberries and let soak until softened, about 10 minutes; drain.
3. 3
   Meanwhile, add the dried pear halves to the saucepan, cover and let soak until softened, about 20 minutes.
4. 4
   Remove the pear halves and cut them into 1-inch pieces.
5. 5
   Add the brown sugar and curry powder to the saucepan and simmer over moderate heat until the sugar has dissolved.
6. 6
   Add the apple and simmer over moderate heat until tender, about 4 minutes.
7. 7
   In a food processor, puree 1/4 cup of the pears with 1 cup of the cooking liquid.
8. 8
   Stir the pear puree back into the saucepan.
9. 9
   Add the cranberries and the remaining pears and serve the compote warm or at room temperature.