Favorite Apple Salad

From Taste of Home magazine, www.tasteofhome.com

1 can (20 ounces) unsweetened pineapple chunks
1/4 cup butter or margarine
1/4 cup sugar
1 tablespoon lemon juice
2 tablespoons cornstarch
2 tablespoons cold water
1 cup mayonnaise
8 cups chopped tart apples
2 cups green grapes
2 teaspoons poppy seeds
3/4 cup chopped pecans, toasted

Drain pineapple, reserving juice; set the pineapple aside. Place juice in a saucepan; add butter, sugar and lemon juice. Bring to a boil. Combine the cornstarch and cold water until smooth; add to the saucepan, stirring constantly. Return to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes. Chill. Stir in mayonnaise. In a large bowl, combine pineapple, apples, grapes, poppy seeds and cooked dressing. Fold in the pecans just before serving.

Yield: 14 servings.