1 lb. any dried fruit
1½ cups water
1/4 cup sugar, or to suit taste

Wash fruit quickly but thoroughly in cold water, lifting out into saucepan. Add water, and let soak 3 or 4 hours. In same water, simmer gently over low heat until tender (15 to 20 minutes). During last 5 minutes of cooking, add sugar, stirring until dissolved. Cool and drain, saving juice. Pit if necessary and rub fruit through a sieve. If the puree is thicker than desired, add juice to bring to desired consistency. A very stiff Puree may be preferred for fruit whips, medium stiff for cake filling. More sugar may be added if desired. Store in a tightly covered sterile jar in the refrigerator. Makes about 2½ cups. (Leftover juice may be used for breakfast, poured over fruit cup, etc.) From The Modern Family Cookbook