Strawberry Applesauce

I love homemade applesauce and this one is extra-special with strawberry flavor. Recipe is from Woman's Day.

• Ready In: 35 mins
• Yields: 4 1/2 cups

Ingredients

• 4 (1/4lb)  mcintosh apple (2 pounds)
• 4 (1/4lb)  empire apple (2 pounds)
• 1⁄2 cup  apple juice
• 2  tablespoons butter
• 1⁄2 cup  seedless  reduced-sugar strawberry preserves
•  liquid  red food coloring (optional)

Directions

1. Peel, halve and core apples.
2. Cut into 2-inch chunks.
3. Place in 5-quart saucepan with apple juice and butter.
4. Bring to a boil; reduce heat to medium.
5. Simmer, uncovered, 15 minutes or until apples are very tender.
6. Crush apples with a potato masher until chunky.
7. Stir in strawberry preserves and food color, if using, until blended.
8. Serve warm or chilled.