This recipe is a Frays family favorite (my mother-in-law’s side).  It’s fairly easy and the kiddos love to help make it.  It can be either a “fruity dessert” or a “sweet and fruity side dish”. I’ll let you decide on that one.   

Cherry Cinnamon Applesauce

2 cups water

1/2 cup cinnamon candies (Red Hots)

1 quart applesauce  (4 cups for those of you playing along at home)

2 small (.3 ounce) packages of cherry Jello®

Boil water and cinnamon candies.  Stir until the candies are dissolved.  Remove from heat and stir in Jello®  until dissolved.  Stir in applesauce.  Carefully pour into a 2 or more quart dish.  Don’t refrigerate right away because putting very hot items in the refrigerator makes the motor run more to get it back to the proper temp.   So wait at least 30 minutes or so.  Chill the dish at least 4 hours until set.