Citrus-Infused Winter Fruit Medley

1. Combine Dried Fruits and Orange Juice

Gather a medium-size saucepan and place it on your stove. Into this pot, combine the golden raisins, Zante currants, dried cherries, diced dried apricots, and diced dried apples. Pour in the fresh orange juice and add the strips of orange zest.

2. Add Sugar and Spices

Sprinkle in the brown sugar. Split the vanilla bean lengthwise with a knife, scrape out the seeds, and add both the seeds and the bean pod to the saucepan. Add the star anise if using.

3. Cook the Mixture

Place the saucepan over medium heat. Gently cook the mixture for 3 to 5 minutes, allowing the dried fruits to absorb the flavors of the orange juice and spices.

4. Cool and Serve

Remove the saucepan from the heat and let it cool slightly. Before serving, discard the vanilla bean, orange zest strips, and star anise if used. Serve the beautifully infused fruit medley warm.