Instructions: IN SMALL SAUCEPAN, combine apple juice and 1/4 cup water; dissolve kudzu in mixture. Bring mixture to slow simmer over medium heat, whisking constantly, about 5 minutes. Mixture will be cloudy at first, but will clear after a few minutes.

Whisk in orange juice, maple syrup, orange peel and vanilla extract. Cook for 4 more minutes, whisking constantly. Reduce heat to low and cook, whisking, until mixture is syrupy, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

KUDZU, or Kuzu (koo-dzoo) is a white starchy powder made from the root of the kudzu plant. Used for thickening soups, sauces and puddings. Kudzu has a very chunky textures: crush it up a bit with your fingers to measure it accurately. It should be dissolved in cold water or other liquids before being added to a hot liquid to avoid clumping. Use in place of cornstarch.

Notes: MAKES 1 CUP (17 cals per tbs). Kudzu has a very chunky texture, crush it up a bit with your fingers to measure it accurately. Use this glaze for the Orange-Poppy Seed Muffins (Veg times May 99)

If you would like to email yourself the recipe for later use, or share the recipe with your friends or family, enter the email addresses below and this recipe will be emailed to you and others as well.