Blood Orange Compote With Star Anise - cooking recipe

Ingredients

8 blood oranges
1 cup water
1 cup sugar
3 pieces star anise
1/4 cup creme de cassis (optional)

Preparation

Set aside the zest from 6 oranges.
Peel & remove the white pith from all oranges; remove the seeds & cut the oranges into generous 1/4\" thick slices. Arrange them in layers in a shallow serving bowl.
In a heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat, combine the water & sugar; heat & stir often until the sugar dissolves, about 5 minute Add zest of about 5 1/2 oranges (reserving the remaining for garnish) & star anise; reduce the heat to low & simmer, uncovered, until thick syrup has formed & the flavors have blended, about 1 hours (If not using creme de cassis, cook syrum about 45 min until thin).
Remove the pan from the heat & discard the zest; stir in the creme de cassis. Pour the hot syrup over the oranges; cover & let stand at room temperature at least 1 hr & up to 12. If serving later, cover & refrigerate.
To serve, julienne the remaining zest & sprinkl it over the top of the oranges.