- 1/2 pound pearl onions (preferably red; 2 cups)
- 2 cups apple juice
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 tablespoons cider vinegar
- 6 cloves
- 1 teaspoon coriander seeds
- 2 quinces, peeled, cored, and cut into 1/2-inch cubes
- 1 (12-ounce) bag fresh or frozen cranberries (not thawed if frozen)
- Trim root end of each onion and cut an X in it. Blanch in boiling water 1 minute, then drain in a colander. Cool slightly, then peel.
- Bring juice, sugar, vinegar, and spices to a boil in a 3-quart heavy saucepan, stirring until sugar has dissolved. Add onions and quinces and simmer, uncovered, stirring occasionally, until tender but not falling apart, about 30 minutes.
- Add cranberries and simmer until tender but not falling apart, 5 to 8 minutes. Discard cloves. Transfer fruit and onions to a bowl using a slotted spoon, then boil syrup, if necessary, until reduced to 1/2 cup. Pour syrup over compote and cool to room temperature.