I echo SCP's response, but recommend that you pour off into your saucepan the liquid that was drawn out by the maceration, and reduce that first, over medium heat, to a very thick syrup, before adding the solid fruit. That way the fruit itself will be cooked less, and the end product will taste better. ;o)
If you leave the fruit overnight it will begin to macerate (begin to break down and meld together--make sure you have added all ingredients, not just the chopped fruit). Cooking the ingredients produces some of the same results, but often macerating brings out nuances that simple heat doesn't achieve. I'd say leave it overnight, you might have to cook it a bit longer to get the consistency that you desire (because it will be more liquid tomorrow than it is tonight), but you are also likely to wind up with a compote that is a bit more rich and complex. (From a food safety standpoint there is no issue).
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