CHEF JEFF -- ONE BYTE AT A TIME: Spiced Applesauce

Enjoy fall's warm flavors with tasty creation.

Spiced Applesauce

3 pounds apples

½ cup water

2 tablespoons lemon juice

1 3-inch cinnamon stick

1 2-inch piece fresh ginger, peeled and sliced

1 whole star anise

3 whole cloves

3 whole allspice berries

½ cup brown sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Peel, core and chop the apples. You should have about 6 cups. Combine the apples in a heavy-bottomed saucepan with water, lemon juice, cinnamon stick, ginger, anise, cloves and allspice.

Cover and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the apples are tender and falling apart, 20 to 30 minutes.

Stir in brown sugar and vanilla. Remove from the heat and puree in a food processor or blender.

Yield: Serves 4 to 6.

Grab more food tidbits at the Chef Jeff blog at GrandForksHerald.com.