Spiced Grape Relish

1-1/2 cups sugar

2/3 cup white wine vinegar

1/4 tsp each ground cinnamon and nutmeg

One 3 inch stick cinnamon

1/2 tsp sweet basil, crushed (optional)

1 tsp lemon juice

2 lb (about 4-1/2 cups) assorted, red, green and blue-black California grapes, halved and seeded if necessary

1 red apple, cored and thinly sliced

1/4 cup slivered blanched almonds

Combine sugar, vinegar and seasonings in medium saucepan. Bring to a boil. Cook, uncovered, over medium heat 5 minutes. Stir in lemon juice, grapes, apple and almonds. Cool. Refrigerate until serving time. Remove cinnamon stick and serve to accompany meat course.

Makes about 6 cups.