Grapefruit Compote with Rum Cherries

1/4 cup rum
1/4 cup water(or use 1/2 cup water and 1 teaspoon rum extract)
1/2 cup dried cherries
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon or dessert spice blend
3 large or 6 small grapefruit

Place the rum, water, cherries and cinnamon or spice blend in a small pan or microwave dish. Bring to a boil, remove from the heat, stir and let stand while preparing the grapefruit.

Peel and section the grapefruit and remove excess white pith, and the membranes if desired. Cut each segment into bite-size pieces. Place in a serving bowl and stir in the cherry mixture.

4-6 servings

 

Not-a-Fruitcake

4 medium beets
2 medium sweet potatoes
1/2 cup dried cranberries
1/2 cup dried apricots, cut in small pieces
1/2 cup golden raisins
1/2 cup dried pineapple tidbits, cut in small pieces
1/4 cup candied ginger, diced into tiny pieces
1/2 cup rum, brandy or fruit juice
2 cups cooked quinoa or barley
1 cup quick-cooking oatmeal
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon dessert spice blend or cinnamon
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
12 chestnuts, peeled and cut in small pieces
1/2 cup Egg Beaters or other liquid egg substitute
Preheat the oven to 375º

Trim the ends off the beets and sweet potatoes, cut them into 1/2” chunks and steam until very tender, about 30 minutes. Drain.

Meanwhile, combine the dried fruits and rum or other liquid of your choice in a small bowl and allow them to soak.

Place the cooked beets and sweet potatoes in a bowl and mash them together. Stir in the dried fruits and their soaking liquid and all the remaining ingredients and mix thoroughly. Spoon the mixture into a non-stick loaf pan. Bake at 375º for 1 1/2 hours. Allow to cool before slicing. Serve at room temperature or chilled.

8-10 servings

 

Creamy Apple Dessert

2 large or 4 small apples, cored and cut in chunks
1/2 cup raisins
1/2 teaspoon dessert spice blend
2 tablespoons sugar (optional)
2 tablespoons rum or water
2 cups cooked barley or quinoa
1 cup vanilla-flavored soy milk
1/4 cup quick oatmeal

Combine the apples, raisins, spice, sugar and rum or water in a microwaveable bowl. Cover and microwave on high for 6-8 minutes, stirring once or twice, until the apples are soft. Add the remaining ingredients and microwave 3-4 minutes more.

4 servings