Fruit Chutney (Zwt - South Africa)

This recipe was entered for ZWT & has been modified slightly. My source is: http://africhef.com/Chutney-Recipe.html. The intro is short & sweet ... "This easy South African Fruit Chutney recipe is 1 of the simplest I've come across & is well worth the slight effort taken to prepare it." (Yield & times have been estimated. Times do not include standing overnight or waiting period to mature)

• Ready In: 2 hrs 30 mins
• Serves: 1
• Yields: 1 3 lb

Ingredients

• 1  lb brown sugar
• 1⁄2 lb  dried pears
• 1⁄2 lb  dried apricot
• 1⁄2 lb dates
• 1⁄2 lb  dried apple ring
• 1⁄2 lb sultana
• 1  cup onion (chopped)
• 4  cups water
• 3  garlic cloves (crushed)
• 2  cups cider vinegar
• 1  teaspoon chili powder
• 1⁄2 teaspoon turmeric
• 1⁄2 teaspoon nutmeg (freshly grated)
• 1⁄2 teaspoon ginger (freshly ground)

Directions

1. Chop all dried fruit except the sultanas.
2. Place fruit & water in a lrg mixing bowl, cover & leave overnight.
3. Do not drain the fruit. Add the remaining ingredients & place in a heavy bottomed saucepan.
4. Simmer over low heat (stirring constantly) till the sugar has dissolved.
5. Bring to a boil & then lower heat. Allow to simmer (uncovered) for approx 1 1/2 hrs or till thick, stirring occ.
6. Pour chutney mixture into sterilized jars while still hot. Fill to ½ in below the top. Cover w/an airtight plastic lid. Do not use a metal lid because the action of the spices & vinegar will cause corrosion.
7. Leave the chutney to mature in a cool, dark, dry place for 6-8 weeks before use.
8. NOTE: This fruit chutney may be used in curries, almost any dish that has rice as an accompaniment & also to tasty up pasta dishes.