Homemade Applesauce

Since we have an abundance of apples around here.. and way more than we can eat.. I was searching for something to do with them before they all went bad.

I came up with lots of yummy recipes but knew that I would just end up throwing them away since Freeland doesnt ever finish sweets that often.

Then I saw a commercial for applesauce. It never occurred to me to ever try to make that before.. ever in my life. I really never thought about it! So Applesauce it was!

before the apples started cooking

Im not a huge applesauce person though (side note: have you noticed the last few things I posted I said I wasnt a fan of? I promise I make things that i love also .. and Im really not that picky!) .. so back to me not eating applesauce.. I really had no idea what it should taste like.. so of course I went straight to my MS cookbook. I knew she would have a recipe that would be great & Freeland was bound to love. She never really fails us.

Turns out, I was right. She came through - like she always does. Freeland LOVED it!

And an extra bonus - while you are making this... it makes your house smell heavenly!

After the apples break down.. its almost ready!

I couldnt believe that the apples just break down on their own! Obviously, Im a newby to homemade applesauce.. but feel free to leave the apple slices pretty large because they wil break down.

Also just a little note from me to you: I found it very helpful asking my incredibly hot husband to assist me & I recommend everyone to do the same!! He peeled, cored, and diced everyone of the apples for me - and I couldnt have been more thankful. It kind of takes a while. (But dont be weary - the prep is super quick an easy once the apples are done though .. so dont worry if you start dicing and its taking a long time - everything else is done in .5 seconds)

Homemade Applesauce
*adapted from The Martha Stewart Living Cookbook

Ingredients:
18 apples (about 6 pounds) peeled, cored, and quartered
1 cup of apple cider
1 large cinnamon stick
1/2 vanilla bean, split and scraped
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
3/4 cup of sugar (or to taste)
2 table spoons of fresh lemon juice
*1/4 cup of brown sugar & some extra ground cinnamon

Directions:

1. Combine apples, apple cider, cinnamon, vanilla bean and the scrapings, the ginger, nutmeg, sugar, and lemon juice in a large heavy-bottomed wide saucepan.
2. Place the saucepan over medium heat, and cook, stirring often with a wooden spoon to prevent scorching, until the apples are broken down and saucy.. 50-60 minutes. Mash any large pieces of apple with the spoon if any of them still need to be broken down. *Season with more sugar & spices if you want.
3. Remove the apple mixture from heat, and let stand to cook completely before serving, discarding the cinnamon stick and vanilla pod.

Note:
The applesauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Or in a freezer for up to 2 months.

If you want pink applesauce, dont peel the apples, and then just pass them through a food mill to remove the skins.

The original recipe also uses cardamom and mace spices. I didnt have those & didnt want to buy them .. but if you do Im sure it would be great! I added the brown sugar & a little extra ground cinnamon to mine. But really everything after the cinnamon stick is optional. And you dont have to use sugar at all.