ALONG THE MISSISSIPPI: FRUITY SIDE DISH WILL ADD SPICE TO HOLIDAY REPASTS

Looking for something different to grace your holiday meals? Here it is. This chutney-style fruit side dish has the feel of tradition and will certainly add a touch of spice to your holiday meals.

My great-grand-Aunt Loubell prepared this dish from home-canned fresh fruits from her orchards. More than 60 years ago, it was a real dilemma for her to add store-bought pineapple to her special recipe, but she did. And it was great.

Hot Spiced Fruit

1 16-ounce can pineapple chunks

1 16-ounce can peaches, sliced

1 16-ounce can pears

1 16-ounce can apricots

1 cup whole cranberries (canned or fresh), if desired

1 cup light brown sugar, packed

1/2 cup butter, melted

1 teaspoon cinnamonPreheat oven to 325 degrees.

1. Drain fruits and cut into large pieces.

2. Combine brown sugar, butter and cinnamon.

3. Add sugar mixture to fruit.

4. Pour into a 9x

13-inch baking dish.

5. Bake at 325 degrees for 1 hour.

Makes 8 servings.

Angie Holtzhouser is author of "Drop Dumplin's and Pan-Fried Memories ... Along the Mississippi." Her cookbook is available at local bookstores. In addition, it can be purchased through the mail at: Drop Dumplin's, P.O. Box 10, Lilbourn, Mo. 63862. The price is $19.95, including tax and shipping.