Cinnamon-Corn-Maple Applesauce

Serves 8 (serving size: about 1 cup)

½ cup maple syrup

¼ cup water

4 cups chopped peeled apple (about 4 medium apples)

¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon

⅛ teaspoon ground nutmeg

1 tablespoon canola oil

¼ cup unpopped popcorn kernels

2 tablespoons maple sugar

¼ teaspoon kosher salt

1. Combine syrup and water in a Dutch oven; bring to a boil. Add apple, cinnamon, and nutmeg; cover and cook over medium-low heat 25 minutes or until tender. Mash apples with a potato masher. Cook, uncovered, 15 minutes.
2. Add oil to apple mixture; increase heat to medium-high. Add popcorn, sugar, and salt to pan; cover and cook 3 minutes or until kernels begin to pop, stirring frequently. Continue cooking 2 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning. When popping slows down, remove pan from heat. Let stand, covered, until all popping stops.