Bring
the syrup ingredients slowly to the boil, stirring to dissolve the
sugar.
Simmer
for 3-4 minutes then cool.
Discard the bay leaf.
As you
slice the apples and pears, drop them into a small bowl of water
acidulated with the lemon juice.
This
will prevent them from discoloring.
Drain
the apples and pears and toss them with the oranges and grapes.
Pour
on the cooled syrup and toss carefully to avoid breaking the fruit.
Cover
and chill.
Just
before serving, stir in the banana.
Serves 6
When black
or red cherries are available, they can colorfully replace the green
grapes. Always stone them first - a small hand tool, a special cherry
stoner, is the least messy way to do it, and leaves the fruit intact.
If you
wish to avoid added sugar, bring 275 ml cloudy unsweetened apple juice
to the boil with a bay leaf and 1 tablespoon lemon juice. Cool and
discard the herb.