Christmas punch

When I arrived at Alejandro's house this afternoon, his mother was in the middle of making "ponche de frutas" for this evening's "posada".  "Ponche de frutas" is a Mexican fruit punch that is traditional for the Christmas season.

It contains quite a number of ingredients, some of which are not common in the United States.

In the top bowl are tamarind and apples.  To the left are "guayabas" (guavas), and to the right are "tejocotes", an acidic fruit which is unique to Mexico.

Cinnamon,  prunes and raisins are also added.

 

To sweeten the punch strips of sugar cane are added...

 

...as well as "piloncillo", cones of unrefined, Mexican dark brown sugar.

Everything is put in a huge kettle with water and allowed to simmer for several hours.  

The punch is served warm with chunks of the fruit and a strip of sugar cane as a garnish.  ¡Delicioso!