Poached Summer Fruit
Makes 8 serving

1 - jar (26 ounce) apricot halves
1/2 - cup sugar
2 - Tablespoon orange juice concentrate
Julienne peel of one lemon
Juice of one lemon
1 - pound small plums, pitted and quartered
1 - cup strawberries or blueberries
1 - cup cognac or brandy (optional)
Sprigs of fresh mint

• Drain apricots reserving 1-1/2 cups syrup into large saucepan. 
• Blend in sugar, orange juice concentrate, lemon peel and juice. 
• Boil until thick syrup forms, (about 12 to 15 minutes). 
• Reduce heat. 
• Add plums; simmer 5 minutes. 
• Add apricots; simmer 2 minutes more. 
• Add berries. 
• With slotted spoon, place fruit in serving bowl.
  
• Bring syrup to boil.
• Remove from heat. 
• Add (optional) cognac and mint. 
• Pour syrup over fruit. 
• Chill. 
• When reducing syrup, cook at full rolling boil. 
• Can be made a day ahead. 
• Serve with vanilla ice cream and sugar cookies, if desired.