This dessert traditionally should have twelve different fruits to represent the Apostles. But as long as you have a good variety, it will be delicious.

Serves 12.

INGREDIENTS

  • 3 cups water
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 pound mixed dried fruits (such as prunes, pears, apricots, peaches, apples and figs), cut into 1/2-inch pieces
  • 1 cup sweet white wine (such as johannisberg riesling)
  • 1 orange, unpeeled, thinly sliced
  • 1 lemon, unpeeled, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup raisins
  • 1/2 cup dried cherries, cranberries or currants
  • 8 whole cloves

  • 4 cinnamon sticks

  • 1 cup seedless grapes

    DIRECTIONS

    Combine 3 cups water and sugar in heavy large saucepan. Stir over medium heat until sugar dissolves. Add mixed dried fruits, white wine, orange, lemon, raisins, dried cherries, cloves and cinnamon sticks. Simmer compote until fruits are tender and liquid is reduced to syrup, stirring occasionally, about 20 minutes. Mix in grapes. Cool compote to room temperature; cover tightly and refrigerate. (Can be prepared up to 3 days ahead. Keep refrigerated.) Spoon compote into stemmed goblets and serve.