It's October and this is the time of year when you think about pumpkins. And apples are also a welcome addition to the menu. Apple pie is just one of those great traditions.

In this House Works, Chef Judy has a variation on the use of apples. It's an apple strawberry butter.

Apple Srawberry Butter
Chef Judy Gilliard
Servings: 24

This is a good, basic sauce to keep on hand. It can be used to spruce up many different foods and makes a lovely gift. It freezes well.

6 medium apples, dried
1 cup apple juice, frozen concentrate, thawed
1 tablespoon turbinado sugar (raw sugar)
1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon allspice
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1 pound frozen strawberries, unsweetened, thawed and drained

1. Combine apples, apple juice and spices in a large saucepan.
2. Bring to boil then simmer 20 to 25 minutes until very soft.
3. Add strawberries and simmer 5 minutes.
4. Put in a food processor or blender, add Equal and blend until very smooth.

Per Serving (excluding unknown items): 81 Calories; trace Fat (1.4% calories from fat); trace Protein; 21g Carbohydrate; 2g Dietary Fiber; 0mg Cholesterol; 22mg Sodium. Exchanges: 0 Grain(Starch); 1 1/2 Fruit; 0 Fat; 0 Other Carbohydrates.