Dried Fruit Pudding

Directions

1. 1
   Core and chop the pears and apples, if needed. Chop the apricots and prunes roughly.
2. 2
   Stew the fruit in the juice with the spices on low heat for 30 minutes. Drain and reserve the liquid. Set aside 1/3 cup fruit.
3. 3
   Measure the liquid and add more juice if needed to make 2 cups.
4. 4
   Stir the tapioca into the juice in a saucepan. Let sit for 5 minutes. Bring to a boil and cook for 2 minutes while stirring constantly. Take off heat and let sit for 20 minutes. Combine with fruit, except the 1/3 cup, and chill.
5. 5
   Whip the cream with the vanilla and whatever you are using for sweetening until stiff but not dry.
6. 6
   In a large clear glass bowl, or in individual glasses, layer the chilled fruit pudding and the whipped cream, ending with the whipped cream. Decorate with reserved fruit.