Washington Apple Commission
Fuji apples are high in fiber and potassium.

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Fuji apples are a fine fruit buy

As we wait for the summer fruits to reappear, supermarket fruit sections are looking kind of thin. No peaches, no nectarines - not even tiny, hard ones for 4 bucks a pound. Strawberries are just starting to peek out. Pears, perhaps, or oranges, or a few grapes.

But always there is the humble apple. Fujis especially seem to be in good supply at reasonable prices. Find them this week at Star for 59 cents a pound and Daiei for 67 cents. Foodland has them for 5 pounds for $2.18.

Use versatile apples in this sugar-free and fat-free apple-cherry fruit spread. It uses dried cherries so you don't have to mortgage the homestead to buy a little basket of fresh.

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Apple-cherry fruit spread

Associated Press

3 Fuji apples, peeled, cored and coarsely chopped

1/2 cup dried cherries

1/2 cup fruit juice or water

1 cinnamon stick

1/2 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest

In medium saucepan, combine apples, cherries, fruit juice and cinnamon stick. Cover and bring to a simmer over medium heat; cook 15 minutes, stirring frequently. Uncover and reduce heat to low; cook 15 to 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. Cool completely. Chill before serving. Store in refrigerator. Makes 11/2 cups.

Approximate nutritional analysis per 1-tablespoon serving: 11 calories, 0.8 gram fat, no cholesterol, 0.02 milligram sodium.

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Star-Bulletin staff