QUICK HOMEMADE APPLESAUCE AND 9 USES

1. QUICK HOMEMADE APPLESAUCE

Peel, core and quarter 4 apples. Place in a microwave-safe casserole or saucepan with 2 tablespoons water. Cover and microwave on High for 6 to 8 minutes, or cook over low heat on the stove until apples are soft enough to mash with a fork. Add white or brown sugar and cinnamon to taste. Refrigerate or freeze.

2. IN THE PINK

For a sweet, spicy and slightly rosy applesauce, add cinnamon heart candies (10 or 12, or to taste) to applesauce during cooking. Stir until candies dissolve.

3. PERFECT PARFAIT

In a parfait goblet or tall juice glasses, layer sweetened applesauce alternately with plain or flavoured yogurt or vanilla pudding, sliced bananas and crumbled oatmeal cookies. This is an easy treat for children to assemble for themselves.

4. APPLESAUCE MOUSSE
Makes 4 servings

Measure into a medium-size mixing bowl:
2 pasteurized egg whites
1 cup applesauce
1 tablespoon confectioner's sugar
1/2 teaspoon lemon zest

Beat with electric mixer on high speed until light and fluffy. Spoon into individual serving dishes and sprinkle tops with chopped nuts. Serve immediately or refrigerate.

5. APPLESAUCE OATMEAL MUFFINS

Measure into a large bowl:
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon each cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1 cup rolled oats
1/3 cup brown sugar

In a smaller bowl, stir together:
1 egg
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1/3 cup milk
2/3 cup applesauce

Add liquid ingredients to dry; stir until just blended; do not overmix. Stir in 1/2 cup raisins or dried cranberries. Spoon into 12 greased or paper-lined muffin pans.

Bake in preheated oven at 400 degree F (200C) for about 15 to 20 minutes, or until muffins are light brown and tops feel firm to the touch.

6. MOISTNESS WITHOUT FAT

To lower the fat in your older favorite baked goods recipes, replace 1/3 to 1/2 of the fat with fruit purees such as applesauce or banana or prune puree. Try different amounts (write down what you have done) until you get the result that best suits your family.

7. APPLESAUCE SQUASH

Cook acorn squash in oven or in microwave. Spoon applesauce flavored with cinnamon and nutmeg into the center of each squash half. Sprinkle top with more cinnamon. Bake in moderate oven until hot.

8. SAVORY APPLESAUCE

Mix caramelized onions and unsweetened applesauce together, adding balsamic vinegar, salt and pepper to taste. Serve with grilled or roast pork or veal.

9. SPICED APPLE BUTTER
Makes 2 cups

Measure into a large heavy saucepan:
4 cups peeled chopped apples
2 cups apple cider or juice

Bring to boil. Reduce heat, cover and simmer 10 to 15 minutes or until apples are very soft. Stir occasionally during cooking. Press mixture including liquid through a sieve back into pan.

Stir in:
3/4 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon allspice
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

Boil gently, uncovered, stirring every 5 minutes, for 1/4 to 1/2 hour, or until mixture reaches desired thickness. Store in refrigerator for up to 1 week, or in freezer.

10. ALMOST NO FAT BROWNIES

In large bowl, stir together:
3/4 cup cake flour
3/4 cup pastry flour
3/4 cup sugar
1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt

Make a hole in center of ingredients. Pour in and stir to mix well:
1/4 cup corn syrup
1/4 cup applesauce
1 egg

Pour into a lightly greased 8-inch baking pan. Bake in preheated oven at 350 degrees F (180C) for 25 to 30 minutes or until top springs back when lightly touched. Cool completely before cutting. From

Adapted from source: Healthy Home Cooking by Margaret Howard and Ellie Topp