APPLE COMPOTE – – sweet/tart apples like a Cox Orange Pippin, Pink Lady or Jonagold, : vanilla bean cored, peeled, diced (Slit the vanilla bean down the center and scrape out the seeds inside.), Place the apples in a large saucepan or skillet with at least 3-inch high sides. Add the vanilla seeds and the bean, stir, cover, and place over medium heat. When the apples begin to sizzle stir them, reduce the heat to low, and continue cooking, stirring frequently, until they are soft through. Remove from the heat and serve.; – [/wpurp-searchable-recipe]

Nutmeg, More Precious Than Gold
In the 14th century, a pound of nutmeg was purportedly worth three sheep and a cow; in the 17th century, the little, fragrant nut was valued higher than gold.