Ingredients

• 1lb/450g mixed dried fruits, such as prunes, apricots, figs and apples
• 1 tbsp/15ml Calvados or brandy
• 2pt/1.1 litres cold Earl Grey tea
•   water, to cover
• 4 tbsp/60ml orange juice
• 3-4 cloves
• 5cm/2in cinnamon stick
• ½ tsp mixed spice
•   lemon, zest only
• 1 star anise

Method

1. Soak the mixed fruits in the Calvados or brandy, tea and water. Leave overnight.
2. Pour the fruit into a saucepan, add the orange juice, cloves, cinnamon, mixed spice, lemon zest and star anise. Bring the liquid to the boil and let it simmer slowly until the fruit is soft.

Notes