Homemade applesauce is easy to make, and fills the house with the rich scent of cinnamon. This apples-and-pears version can be eaten as healthy dessert -- try it gently heated as a topping for vanilla frozen yogurt -- or as a condiment for pork or poultry dishes.

Apple-Pear Sauce

4 red apples
4 green apples
3 firm, ripe pears
1/2 lemon, juiced
2 tablespoons water
3/4 cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1. Slice and core apples and pears(do not peel).
2. Place all ingredients in a large stock pot and mix well. Cover and let simmer over low heat for 30 minutes, or until apples are soft and mushy, stir often. Remove from heat and let cool. Puree in a food processor. Pour sauce through a sieve to strain out any pieces of peel that don't puree.
3. Apple-Pear sauce will last up to 3 weeks in the refrigerator.

Makes 10 servings.