Cinnamon-Maple Applesauce

½ cup water 4 medium to large apples (about 1½ pounds), peeled, cored and cut into 1-inch pieces 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1 to 2 pinches ground nutmeg 1 to 2 pinches ground cloves 1 to 2 pinches kosher or sea salt (optional) 1 to 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice 1 to 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup (optional)

Nutritional information per serving (½ cup): Calories 78 (2% from fat) • carb. 21g • pro. 0g • fat 0g • sat. fat 0g • chol. 0mg • sod. 28mg • calc. 16mg. • fiber 1g

Put the water into the blender jar. Set timer for 12 minutes and temperature on High. Once water comes to a boil (about 2 minutes) add apples, spices and salt (if using) and switch to Medium. Stir occasionally to incorporate the cooked apples from the bottom, cooking all apples until soft and homogenous. Add lemon juice and maple syrup (if using). If necessary blend on speed 1 until desired consistency is reached.