Name: Dark fruit mixture
Prep time: 30 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4
Ingredients: 360 gm each sultanas and currants; 240 gm dried sour cherries; 240 gm pitted prunes, finely chopped; 180 gm fresh dates, pitted, coarsely chopped; 120 gm glacé orange or glacé clementine, finely chopped; Juice and thinly peeled rind of 1 orange; 300 ml brandy

Other dark-coloured dried fruits such as blood plums, cranberries and barberries would work well in this mix, too. Soak the fruit in muscat instead of brandy for an even richer result. You’ll need to begin this recipe at least a week ahead. The mixture will keep stored in a dark place for a year, so you could always make extra to use for next Christmas.

Ingredients

360 gm each sultanas and currants

240 gm dried sour cherries

240 gm pitted prunes, finely chopped

180 gm fresh dates, pitted, coarsely chopped

120 gm glacé orange or glacé clementine, finely chopped

Juice and thinly peeled rind of 1 orange

300 ml brandy

Method

Main

1.Combine ingredients in a large bowl, then transfer to sterilised jars, seal and stand, turning jars occasionally, to macerate (at least a week and up to a year).