Scandinavian Dried Fruit Soup

Ingredients:

2-1/2 c mixed dried fruit, such as apples, apricots, peaches and prunes cut into bite size pieces

1/2 c raisins or dried cherries

1/2 one lemon, thinly sliced and seeded

1 cinnamon stick (about 3 inches long)

3-1/2 c water

2 c orange juice

1-1/2 c fresh pineapple chunks or 1 1/2 c pineapple chunks packed in their own juice, drained

2/3 to 3/4 c honey

1/8 tsp salt, optional

1/3 c rum or brandy

1 Tbs cornstarch blended with 2 Tbs cold water

Vanilla yogurt or sour cream

Cooking Instructions:

In a 3 quart pan, combine dried fruit, raisins, lemon slices, cinnamon stick, water and orange juice; bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover and simmer for 10-15 minutes. Then remove from heat and stir in pineapple, honey, salt (if desired), and rum. Let stand for 10 minutes to blend flavors and let fruit soften. Return pan to heat; then blend cornstarch mixture into soup. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring, until liquid is bubbly, clear, and thickened. Remove cinnamon stick and lemon slices. Serve soup hot or cover and refrigerate to serve cold. Top with spoonfuls of yogurt.

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