You can customize your homemade applesauce by adding a choice of flavoring, such as vanilla, lemon, or spice.
8 Washington apples peeled, cored, and cut into chunks
1/3 cup water
1/4 cup sugar
1 teaspoon grated lemon zest (optional)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
In 2-quart microwave-safe dish, combine apples and water. Cover with lid or vented plastic wrap; microwave on high (100 percent) 12 to 14 minutes or until apples are tender. (If microwave does not have carousel, rotate dish every 4 minutes.) Stir sugar and choice of flavoring.
Microwave on high 3 minutes or until sugar dissolves. Stir and set aside to cool before serving. If finer texture is desired, mash or puree apple mixture and put through strainer.
Pare top third of apple; core. Arrange apples in microwave-safe baking dish; fill centers with preserves. Pour juice in bottom of dish; cover with vented plastic wrap or lid. Microwave on HIGH (100%) 4-5 minutes or until apples are tender.
2 Golden Delicious apples, peeled and thinly sliced
3 tablespoons sugar
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
Cover a baking sheet with heavy-duty aluminum foil, and spray the foil with oil or brush it with melted butter.
Place caramel candies and milk in a small microwave-safe bowl, and microwave at MEDIUM (50%) for 45 seconds. Stir, and repeat as necessary until the caramel is smooth. Stir in the cinnamon. Spread the caramel mixture on each tortilla to about 1/2 inch from the edge. Arrange apple slices over one half of each tortilla, and fold
over the other half. Press down with the palm of your hand or with a spatula to
enclose the filling.
Space the quesadillas evenly on the baking sheet, spray with oil or brush with butter, and then sprinkle with half the sugar. Bake for 10 minutes, then turn them with a spatula, sprinkle with the remaining sugar, and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or
until the quesadillas are browned. Allow to sit for 3 minutes, then cut each into halves and serve immediately.
1 Gala or Golden Delicious apple, cored and thinly sliced
In large skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat; add onion, carrots, and basil; stir fry 3 minutes. Add pea pods, water, and ginger; stir fry 2 minutes. Add apple and cook 2 minutes longer. Serve hot.
