Take It Easy:
In a large saucepan combine 2 1/2 cups apple cider or cranberry juice, 2 1/4 cups roughly chopped dried fruit (apricots, pears, apples, golden raisins, and/or cranberries), 1/4 cup cider vinegar, 2 Tbsp. crystallized ginger, 1 cinnamon stick, 1/4 tsp. crushed red pepper, and, if you like, 1 star anise. Bring to boiling; reduce heat. Simmer, covered, 20 minutes. Remove from heat; let stand, covered, 2 hours. Remove and discard cinnamon stick and anise. Serve at room temperature or cover and chill.
