This undated photo by chef Elizabeth Karmel shows a dried fruit compote. Fruit compote, also known as stewed fruit, is a combination of dried plums, apricots, cherries and a tiny bit of minced ...

In Medieval times, the belief was that fruit stewed in melted sugar kept the human body's humidity at optimal levels.

Fruit compote — or stewed fruit — is an old-fashioned dish that seems just right for right now. The first time that I remember eating it, I was at a childhood friend’s house and her mother served it ...