This recipe is based on one found on Mexicrave for Ponche Navideño. My daughter made this for me last month and I really enjoyed it. I do not have access to fresh guavas, tejocotes or sugar cane so this is a Canadian version. It is served warm with a spoon so the fruit can be eaten after you finish the drink.
Ingredients:
Makes 10-12 cups
10 cups water,
1/2 cup loose hibiscus tea
3 tamarind pods, shells removed
1 orange, cut into quarters, skin left intact
1 red apple, chopped into small cubes
2 pears, chopped into small cubes
7-10 pitted prunes, chopped
handful of raisins
3 or 4 cinnamon sticks
3 cloves
1 cup brown sugar
Directions:
Put 10 cups of water in a large pot. Add peeled tamarind pods and hibiscus tea. Bring to a boil and simmer for 10-15 minutes. Strain the liquid and discard the pods and loose tea petals
Add the cut up fruit, cinnamon, cloves and sugar.
Cover pot and let simmer for 30-45 minutes or until the fruit is tender. Stir very well to make sure the flavours and sugars combine.
Ladle into heat proof mugs and serve warm.
