Winter Fruit Compote

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups water
• 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 cup dried apricots
• 1 cup pitted purple plums
• 1/3 cup dried cranberries
• 1/4 cup dried cherries
• 1/4 cup golden raisins
• 1/4 cup Zante currants
• 2 pears, peeled, cored, and sliced
• 1/4 cup apple juice
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch