1. Place frozen berries and water in a small saucepan over medium-high heat, cover and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring every couple of minutes. Note: If berries are thawed, omit the water and reduce the total cook time by about half.
2. Remove the lid, reduce the heat to medium, stir well, and simmer (bubbling gently) for an additional 10 minutes, allowing the mixture to reduce by about a quarter. Adjust the temperature if needed to ensure the liquid reduces, but the compote is not boiling.
3. Add the maple syrup and any optional ingredients and use a wooden spoon to stir and mash some of the berries. Reduce the heat to medium-low or low, and continue simmering gently for another 5 minutes, stirring every couple of minutes. If there is still more liquid than is preferred, cook until the mixture reduces to the preferred thickness, keeping in mind the compote will continue to thicken as it cools.
4. Remove from the heat and serve on top of pancakes, waffles, or French toast. Or transfer to a jar with a lid and refrigerate to use as a topping for yogurt, custard, oatmeal, granola, or ice cream.  

Beer Pairing

Beer Style: Sour

• New Image Blackberry Dyad Sour Beer