Dried Fruit Compote

3 cups water
1 lb mixed dried fruit (including pears, figs, apricots and peaches)
1 cup pitted prune
1⁄2 cup raisins
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 fruit-flavored brandy

• 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.
• Add the cherries, apples and cranberries. Stir in sugar, lemon and spices. Cover, simmer 5 minutes.
• Grate orange and reserve peel. Peel and section orange and add to pot.
• Stir in grapes or alternatives and brandy. Bring just to boiling and remove from heat.
• Stir in orange peel.
• Cover and let stand for 15 minutes.

It's not pretty, but it is delicious!  I pulled the lemon slices out before serving (and the cloves and cinnamon sticks, obviously).  I also couldn't find dried peaches and pears so I just used more apricots.

Make in advance and serve cold for Wigilia.