Spicy Fruit Soup

Just another of my numerous fruit soup recipes that I've had around for a long, long time! Although the original recipe called for pitted prunes [they usually get bad press!], the more correct & modern term is pitted plums!

• Ready In: 45 mins
• Serves: 4
• Yields: 6 cups

Ingredients

• 1 1⁄4 cups dried plums, pitted, quartered
• 3⁄4 cup  dried apricot, quartered
• 1⁄2 cup golden raisin
• 4  cups water
• 2  cups  orange juice
• 1⁄3 cup granulated sugar
• 3  tablespoons quick-cooking tapioca
• 1⁄2 teaspoon salt
• 3  inches cinnamon sticks
• 6  whole cloves

Directions

1. In a large saucepan, combine plums, apricots, raisins, water, orange juice, sugar, tapioca & salt.
2. Break cinnamon stick into 3 pieces & put them & the cloves in a cheesecloth bag, then add it to the fruit mixture.
3. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat.
4. Cover & simmer 30-40 minutes, or until fruit is tender.
5. Remove spices & serve either hot or cold.