Fruit and Wine Gelatin

In a saucepan, combine the sugar, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and water

Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes

Let the spices steep while you prepare the gelatin

In a small bowl, sprinkle the unflavored gelatin over 1 1/2 cups of cold water and let it sit for about 5 minutes

Remove the spices from the syrup and add the softened gelatin, stirring well to combine

In a large bowl, combine the wine, currants, lemon juice, and 1 1/2 cups of water

Stir until the sugar has dissolved

Add the gelatin mixture to the wine mixture and stir until fully incorporated

Pour the mixture into a 12-cup mold and arrange the maraschino cherries and some figs to create a decorative design

Carefully pour enough gelatin mixture over the fruit to achieve a depth of about 1 cm

Let it set in the refrigerator for at least 45 minutes or until the gelatin is firm

Remove the mold from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving

To serve, unmold and decorate with red and green cherries

Serves 20 portions.