3 c. water
1 lb. mixed dried fruits including pears, figs, apricots, and peaches
1 c. pitted prunes
1/2 c. raisins or currants
1 c. pitted sweet cherries
2 apples, peeled and sliced or 6 oz. dried apple slices
1/2 c. cranberries
1 c. sugar
1 lemon, sliced
6 whole cloves
2 cinnamon sticks (3 inches each)
1 orange
1/2 c. grapes, pomegranate seeds, or pitted plums
1/2 c. fruit-flavored brandy

Combine water, mixed dried fruits, prunes and raisins in a 6-quart kettle. Bring to boiling. Cover; simmer about 20 minutes, or until fruits are plump and tender. Add cherries, apples and cranberries. Stir in sugar, lemon and spices. Cover; simmer 5 minutes. Grate peel of orange; reserve. Peel and section orange, removing all skin and white membrane.

Add to fruits in kettle. Stir in grapes and brandy. Bring just to boiling. Remove from heat. Stir in orange peel. Cover; let stand 15 minutes. Serves 12.