Earl Grey Applesauce - earl grey tea

Method

• Pour 1/3 cup boiling water over teabag in small cup and let steep for 10 minutes.
• Meanwhile, peel, core, and wedge apples.
• Combine apples and tea in a medium saucepan, discarding bag.
• Split vanilla bean pod and scrape seeds into pan.
• Add bean pod.
• Cover and simmer 10 minutes, stirring a few times.
• Add prunes and lemon zest and cook at a moderate simmer for 10 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• (Remove from heat when apples are starting to break up and are soft enough to be mashed.) Remove vanilla bean.
• Mash apples with potato masher to whatever consistency you prefer.
• Stir in sugar, cloves, and lemon juice, if desired, stirring until sugar is dissolved.
• Serve at any temperature desired.