Polish Twelve Fruit Compote

Ingredients

• 3 cups water
• 1 lb mixed dried fruit (including pears, figs, apricots and peaches)
• 1 cup pitted prune
• 1/2 cup raisins or currant
• 1 cup pitted sweet cherries
• 2 apples, peeled and sliced or 6 ounces dried apples, slices
• 1/2 cup cranberries
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 lemon, sliced
• 6 whole cloves
• 2 cinnamon sticks (3 inches each)
• 1 orange
• 1/2 cup grapes or pomegranate seeds or pitted plum
• 1/2 cup fruit-flavored brandy

Directions

1. 1

   In a 6 quart pot combine water, mixed dried fruits, prunes and raisins. Bring to a boil. Cover and simmer about 20 minutes, or until the fruits are plump and tender.

2. 2

   Add the cherries, apples and cranberries. Stir in sugar, lemon and spices. Cover, simmer 5 minutes.

3. 3

   Grate orange and reserve peel. Peel and section orange and add to pot.

4. 4

   Stir in grapes or alternatives and brandy. Bring just to boiling and remove from heat.

5. 5

   Stir in orange peel.

6. 6

   Cover and let stand for 15 minutes.