Ingredients:

  Amount  Measure       Ingredient -- Preparation Method
--------  ------------  --------------------------------
 750      milliliter    water
 500      grams         mixed dried fruit (pears, figs, apricots,
 150      grams         pitted prunes
  75      grams         raisins
 200      grams         pitted sweet cherries
   2                    apples -- peeled and sliced
  50      grams         cranberries
 200      grams         sugar
   1                    lemon -- sliced
   6                    whole cloves
   2                    cinnamon sticks
   1                    orange
 100      grams         grapes, pomegranate seeds, or pitted plums
 200      milliliter    brandy

Preparation:

1. Combine water, mixed dry fruits, prunes, and raisins in a pot large enough to hold all the ingredients. Bring to a boil, cover and then simmer for about 20 inutes (or until the fruit is plump and tender). 2. Add cherries, apples, and cranberries. Stir in sugar, lemon, and spices. Cover and simmer for about 5 minutes. 3. Grate orange peel and set aside. Peel and section the orange (removing the skin and white membrane). Add to fruits in kettle. 4. Stir in grapes and brandy. Bring just to boiling and then remove from heat. Stir in the orange peel, cover and let stand 15 minutes. Author's Notes: This recipe could be used as part of a 12 course meal known in Polish as Wigilia, or on its own. Wigilia is eaten after sundown on Christmas Eve. Difficulty : easy. Precision : No need to measur