The idea for this cherry filling was inspired by a friend who sent me a package of naturally dried Bing cherries from California. If you can't find Sing, buy any cherries that are unsulfured and unsweetened, or substitute with another dried fruit.

In small bowl, combine cherries and warm water to cover. Let soak 30 minutes.

Drain cherries and transfer to blender along with maple syrup and 1 1/2 cups apple juice. Blend until smooth. Pour mixture into small saucepan. Heat over medium-low heat, stirring often, for 5 minutes.

In cup, dissolve kudzu in remaining 1/4 cup apple juice. Whisk into cherry mixture along with lemon peel. Cook, whisking often, until slightly thickened, about 5 minutes (mixture will thicken further as it cools). Cool completely before using.

Per 1/10 Recipe: 40 Cal.; 0 Prot.; 0 Total Fat (0 Sat. Fat); 10G Carb.; 0 Chol.; 2MG Sod.; 1G Fiber