serves 4–6

Experiment with fruit and cheese as a dessert: Serve this with a good blue cheese or extra-sharp cheddar at the end of a light meal.

1 Tbsp. unsalted butter
2 local apples, peeled, cored, cut into 1/2-inch dice
1 cinnamon stick
2 star anise
1/4 cup granulated sugar
Pinch of salt
1 tsp. lemon juice

In a saucepan, warm butter over medium heat; add apples and spices and cook, stirring, until apples soften and release some of their juices, about 5 minutes. Stir in sugar; continue cooking until liquid has nearly evaporated and apples are tender, 12–15 minutes. Stir in salt and lemon juice. Let cool to room temperature.