Oranges and Prunes in Cardamom Tea Syrup

Preparation

1. Step 1

   With a vegetable peeler remove zest from 2 oranges and in a 2- to 3-quart saucepan combine zest and tea bags. Bring 4‚ cups water to a boil and pour over zest and tea bags. Let mixture steep 5 minutes and discard tea bags. Halve cardamom pods and add with sugar to tea mixture, stirring until sugar is dissolved.

   Step 2

   In pan boil tea mixture until reduced to about 3‚ cups. Pour mixture into a large heatproof bowl and add prunes. Cool mixture completely and discard zest.

   Step 3

   With a sharp knife cut peel from oranges, including all white pith. Cut oranges crosswise into 1/3-inch-thick slices and add to prune mixture. Macerate fruit, covered and chilled, at least 2 hours and up to 1 day. Bring fruit to room temperature before serving.