1 lb. mixed dried fruits
1 c. raisins
3 tart apples, pared, cored, and quartered
1 1/2 qt. water
1/2 c. sugar
1 stick cinnamon
1/4 c. cornstarch
3 to 4 tbsp. cold water
Whipped cream (optional)

Rinse dried fruits with warm water and put into a large saucepan with raisins and apples. Add water and stir in sugar. Cover and let stand overnight.

Add cinnamon to the fruit mixture and cook over low heat until fruit is soft, but still whole, about 15 minutes. Remove fruit from liquid with a slotted spoon and put into a serving bowl. Mix cornstarch with cold water and stir into liquid in saucepan. Heat mixture to boiling, stirring constantly until clear and thickened, 2 to 3 minutes.

Pour pudding over fruit in bowl. Cool, then chill thoroughly in refrigerator. If desired, serve topped with whipped cream.