"Every summer friends make this delicious compote and place it in the back of the fridge for unexpected guests.  On arrival, out comes the vanilla ice-cream and if you are in luck whipped cream and meringues.  A sensational dessert is made within seconds.  Warning: this compote is very addictive!"
 

Ingredients
 

1 cup dried apricots

1 cup pitted prunes

1 cup large raisins

1 cup sultanas

420g can sliced peaches

430g can pineapple pieces

425g can pitted cherries

1/2 cup sugar

1 cup brandy

juice of one orange

Method
 

Cut the apricots in half, place in a saucepan with the prunes, raisins, sultanas.
Drain the juice from the canned fruit into the pan, add the sugar and stir well. 
Bring to a boil and simmer very gently for 5 minutes. 
Add the canned peaches, pineapple and cherries. 
Mix gently, pour in the brandy and orange juice and mix well. 
Pour into a large clipped jar and ensure all the fruit are covered with liquid. 
More liquor may-be added if necessary. 
Serve with meringues and thickened cream.

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