3/4 cup water

3 large oranges, peel and white

1/3 cup sugar pith removed, cut crosswise into

2 whole cardamom pods, crushed

1/3 inch thick slices

2 whole allspice

3 kiwis, peeled, cut crosswise into 1/3" thick slices

1 cinnamon stick

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 tablespoons sliced almonds

Place almonds on a baking sheet and place in a 375F oven.  Stir regularly and remove when toasted and fragrant.  Stir first 5 ingredients in small saucepan over medium-high heat until sugar dissolves. Bring to boil. Reduce heat; simmer until liquid is syrupy and slightly reduced, about 8 minutes. Remove from heat.  Stir in vanilla.

Arrange orange and kiwi slices in shallow bowl. Pour hot syrup and spices over fruit.

Chill at least 1 hour and up to 4 hours. Sprinkle almonds over; serve.

adapted from Bon Appétit, Cooking for Health,  January 2000