Recipe: Apple-Cherry Fruit Spread (using dried cherries) (blender or food processor)

APPLE-CHERRY FRUIT SPREAD

3 Jonagoid apples, peeled, cored, and coarsely chopped
1/2 cup dried cherries
1/2 cup fruit juice or water
1 cinnamon stick
1/2 teaspoon grated lemon zest

In medium saucepan, combine apples, cherries, fruit juice and cinnamon stick. Cover and bring to simmer over medium heat; cook 15 minutes, stirring frequently. Uncover and reduce heat to low; cook 15-20 minutes longer or until apples are very soft but retain their shape. Remove cinnamon stick. Add lemon zest to apple mixture.

In blender or food processor, puree apple mixture until chunky spread forms. Chill before serving. Store in refrigerator.

Source: Michigan Apple Committee