I really really love compotes (if you couldn't already tell). When mixed with some yoghurt, fresh fruit and granola, or even served with hot steaming porridge, they just elevate any dish and give that extra fruity punch that is so good every, single, time. They are also so ridiculously simple to make, and a brilliant way of using seasonal produce around you that grows in abundance (it's also cheaper to make your own!). Decorated with a beautiful purple velvet ribbon and stored in an old jam jar, they also make the perfect present - so much so, that I love giving these as 'thank you' gifts to neighbours or friends, with some freshly baked granola...

Tangy but Sweet

If you're slightly confused about the infusion of blackberries with lavender and honey, all blended into a sweet compote, then I wouldn't blame you. I am completely aware that the thought of an ingredient so floral in something like this may be off-putting to some people, but trust me when I tell you that it actually gently enhances the sharpness of the blackberries, and helps to slightly sweeten them too. You also only use a tiny bit, so it doesn't end up tasting like a hand wash or soap at all - it's sticky, sweet and a deep autumnal colour, so it's just a great thing to make. The recipe makes quite a lot too, so you can keep extra jars of the mix in the fridge and just use over time (if anything, this just deepens the sweetness of the compote!)