Spiced berry compote

Fresh ripe berries, the essence of summer, are transformed into an elegant compote with a little wine, sugar and spice. The aroma alone will have your guests at the table waiting for this dish. Choose your favorite berries or mix them, as we do here, for a beautiful variety. The warm simmered blend of wine and spices thickens to coat the berries and macerate them to a wonderful tenderness. Boiling the mixture burns off all the alcohol and leaves the rich flavor of the wine intact. Serve with ice cream, sorbet or over sweet biscuits or pancakes for a brunch time treat. Add a sprig of fresh mint to for extra color and elegance.