In large bowl, combine 4 quarts water and baking soda. Add fruit and soak 10 minutes. Drain. In large saucepan, combine sugar and 2 cups water. Bring syrup to a boil; add fruit and simmer 20 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to cool. Simmer mixture 20 minutes each day until syrup is absorbed. Dry fruit on waxed paper on trays in the sun. Dredge fruit with sugar and store in an airtight container. MasterCook formatted by Ethel Snyder