This is one of the favorite wintertime desserts in Russia. Dried fruit contains a lot of vitamins that are so necessary in cold winters.
1 1/2 pounds mixed dried fruit compote.
5 cups water.
2 tablespoons honey.
3 tablespoons sugar.
1 small vanilla bean.
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice.
In a nonreactive saucepan, combine the dried fruit and water and bring to a boil over medium heat. Add the honey, sugar, and stir until the sugar and honey are dissolved, about 2 to 3 minutes. Scrape the seeds from the vanilla bean into compote and then add the bean. Reduce the heat to low and simmer, covered, for 1 1/2 hours. Add the lemon juice. Refrigerate before serving.