Rote Grütze

Description
German mixed berry pudding. "Rubies in springtime". A traditional German dessert posted in response to a recipe request. I estimated the measurement of the cornstarch

Ingredients

 * 2¼ lbs currants or raspberries or brambleberries or strawberries or sour cherries or plums (assorted red fruits, in any combination)
 * ½ cup sugar (or more to taste, depending on the tartness of the fruit)
 * 1 quart water
 * ½ cup cornstarch
 * 1 cup rum (optional)
 * milk or cream, to serve with the dessert

Directions

 * 1) Wash fruit and pick through for stems (reserve ¾ cup).
 * 2) Combine the remaining fruit with water (reserving 1 cup), and sugar in a saucepan.
 * 3) Bring to a boil and cook fruit over medium heat until done but still holding its shape.
 * 4) Sweeten to taste with more sugar, if needed.
 * 5) Stir corn starch into reserved water until dissolved and stir into the juice.
 * 6) Bring to boil, cook until thickened, and remove from heat.
 * 7) Blend in the rum if desired.
 * 8) Mash reserved, uncooked fruit in blender and stir into the thickened juice.
 * 9) Eat Rote Grütze either hot or cold and serve with cold milk or cream.