Cornmeal-Cranberry Pancakes

Preparation

1. Make the Compote

   1. Step 1

      Peel, core, quarter and cut the apples into 1-inch pieces. Place the apples, sugar, salt, spice, cider and ⅓ cup water in a saucepan and bring to a boil. Lower the heat and simmer until the apples are soft and the juices thick, about 75 minutes. In a small bowl, dissolve the cornstarch in 2 teaspoons water. About 5 minutes before the compote is done, stir the cornstarch mixture into the apples. Keep warm.

2. Make the Caramel-butter Sauce

   1. Step 2

      Place the cream cheese in a bowl and set aside. In a small saucepan, cook the sugar over medium-high heat to a dark caramel, swirling the pan as it begins to brown to distribute the sugar. Do not stir. Off the heat, carefully whisk in the cream and butter. Return to low heat, add a pinch of salt and simmer until the solids dissolve. Stir 3 teaspoons of caramel sauce into the cream cheese. Mix until the cream cheese dissolves, then whisk this mixture back into the caramel sauce. Keep warm.

3. Make the Pancakes

   1. Step 3

      In a saucepan over medium-low heat, heat the butter and milk until the butter melts. Set aside until lukewarm, about 15 minutes. Beat the eggs in a medium bowl. Slowly stir in ½ cup of the warm milk mixture (it cannot be hot, or it will cook the eggs). Pour in the remaining milk mixture and stir to combine.

   2. Step 4

      In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cornmeal, sugar, baking powder and salt. Pour the egg mixture into the flour mixture a little at a time, stirring slowly, just until the dry ingredients are well moistened. The batter should be lumpy and will start to bubble.

   3. Step 5

      Heat a griddle or skillet over medium-high heat until a few drops of water sprinkled on it sizzle. Lightly grease the pan with butter, then add 3 to 4 tablespoons batter to make a 4-inch pancake. As soon as the batter sets, sprinkle the top with cranberries. Cook until bubbles break on the surface. Flip and cook for another 30 seconds, or until the bottom is lightly browned. Repeat, buttering the pan and adjusting the heat as needed. Serve topped with apple compote and lightly drizzled with caramel-butter sauce or maple syrup.