Lemon-And-Spice Applesauce

Got this from the "Better Homes and Gardens 2002 Annual Recipes, October" collection. I haven't tried it but it sounds absolutely fabulous!!!

• Ready In: 1 hr 25 mins
• Serves: 16
• Yields: 8 1/2 cups

Ingredients

• 4 3⁄4-5 1⁄2 lbs apples, peeled, cored and sliced
• 2 1⁄2 cups water
• 1 1⁄2 teaspoons apple pie spice or 2  teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1 -1 1⁄2 cup  packed brown sugar
• 3  tablespoons  finely shredded lemon peel
• 3⁄4 cup lemon juice
• 1  tablespoon vanilla

Directions

1. In a 6 qt heavy kettle or Dutch oven combine apples, water, brown sugar, lemon peel, lemon juice and apple pie spice or cinnamon. Bring to boiling; reduce heat. Simmer, covered, for 40 minutes or until the apples are very soft, stirring occasionally.
2. Remove from heat. Stir in the vanilla. Mash mixture lightly with the back of a large wooden spoon.
3. Serve warm or cover and chill before serving.