Candlemas Drink

Although you might be tempted to strain this drink before serving, the solid ingredients actually are eaten as a sort of wet salad after the drink is gone.

INGREDIENTS | MAKES 2 QUARTS

1 pound canned beets

1⁄2 cup pitted prunes

1⁄4 head lettuce

1 green apple

1⁄4 cup blanched almonds

11⁄2 quarts water

1⁄2 cup sugar

1⁄4 cup seedless raisins

1⁄4 cup unsalted peanuts

  1. Chop the beets and prunes into 1⁄4" pieces. Shred the lettuce. Peel and remove the core from the apple; chop into 1⁄4" pieces. Chop the almonds into small pieces.
  2. Pour the water into a glass or ceramic container. Dissolve the sugar in the water. Add all the ingredients and stir gently. Refrigerate for 3–4 hours before serving.