‘Make your dried fruit mini-log long and slim;  it will look great on a Christmas cheese board served with fresh fruit, Maltese Galletti, chutney and pickles.

You will need:

1 cup dates
1 cup dried figs
1 cup nuts of your choice (optional)
grated zest of 1 lemon
grated zest of 1 orange
grated zest of 1 tangerine
1 tablespoon brandy [optional]
1 tablespoon liquor of your choice [optional]
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
a pinch of chili powder [optional, leave out if you do not like it]
a pinch of salt
1 cup finely chopped pistachios