Applesauce
Experience the ultimate comfort food with homemade Applesauce. Made with fresh apples, it's a creamy and sweet delight perfect for any meal. Elevate your breakfast or dinner with this easy recipe that's sure to satisfy your cravings.
Equipment
- Blender
Ingredients
- 8 to 11 apples apples I use half Granny Smith and half Fuji or Gala, 4 pounds
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup or 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon optional
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract optional
Instructions
- Start by peeling, coring, and chopping the apples into 2-inch chunks, yielding about 9-1/2 cups. The smaller the pieces, the quicker they will cook down. Make sure to use a sharp knife to make this process easier and safer.
- In a large pot, combine the chopped apples with water, salt, maple syrup, and cinnamon if using. Turn the heat to medium-high and stir to combine. As the mixture heats, the apples will start to release their juices, creating a lovely aromatic base.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer. Once it starts bubbling, reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover the pot to trap the steam, which will help cook the apples evenly. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Cook for about 18 to 20 minutes, or until the apples are very tender. You’ll know they’re ready when they no longer hold their shape and can be easily mashed with a fork.
- Remove the pot from the heat and let it cool for about 10 minutes. This step is vital as it allows the mixture to settle before blending.
- Carefully transfer the cooked mixture to a blender. Fill it no more than halfway, as blending hot liquids can create pressure. If your blender doesn’t have a hot setting, use a folded towel instead of the lid to manage steam.
- Blend until smooth. If you prefer a chunkier texture, you can use a potato masher instead to achieve your desired consistency. You might need to blend in batches depending on the size of your blender.
- Once blended, stir in the lemon juice and optional vanilla extract. Taste your Applesauce and adjust with more maple syrup for sweetness or more cinnamon for spice.
- Let the Applesauce cool to room temperature. Once cool, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving. This will allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
Notes
- Tip 1: Fill the blender no more than halfway at a time to prevent overflow.
- Tip 2: Leftover Applesauce will keep in the fridge for about 1 week.
- Tip 3: Freeze for 6 to 9 months in airtight containers.
- Tip 4: Experiment with spices for unique flavors.
- Tip 5: Serve warm for added comfort!