Homemade Applesauce

Ingredients

• 4 pounds of apples (a mix of sweet and tart varieties like Granny Smith, Fuji, Honeycrisp, and Gala works well)

• 1 cup of water

• 1/4 to 1/2 cup of granulated sugar (adjust based on your sweetness preference)

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, to enhance flavor and prevent browning)

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional, for added flavor)

Directions

1. Prepare the Apples:

   • Peel, core, and chop the apples into small pieces.

   • If you prefer a chunkier applesauce, cut the apples into larger pieces.

2. Cook the Apples:

   • In a large pot, combine the chopped apples, water, sugar, and lemon juice (if using).

   • Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.

   • Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for about 20-30 minutes, or until the apples are very tender.

3. Mash or Blend:

   • For a chunky applesauce, use a potato masher to mash the apples to your desired consistency.

   • For a smoother applesauce, use an immersion blender directly in the pot or transfer the cooked apples to a regular blender or food processor and blend until smooth.

4. Add Cinnamon:

   • If you like cinnamon in your applesauce, stir in the ground cinnamon after mashing or blending.

5. Taste and Adjust:

   • Taste your applesauce and add more sugar or cinnamon if desired. Remember, the applesauce will taste slightly different when cooled, so adjust accordingly.

6. Cool and Store:

   • Let the applesauce cool to room temperature.

   • Transfer the applesauce to clean, airtight containers and refrigerate. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to a week.

   • For longer storage, you can freeze the applesauce in freezer-safe containers for up to 6 months.

Optional Variations

• Spiced Applesauce: Add a pinch of nutmeg, cloves, or allspice along with the cinnamon.

• Apple-Pear Sauce: Substitute half of the apples with pears for a different flavor.

• Vanilla Applesauce: Stir in a teaspoon of vanilla extract after cooking for a subtle vanilla flavor.

This basic applesauce recipe is easy to customize based on your taste preferences. Enjoy it on its own, with a sprinkle of cinnamon, or as a topping for yogurt, pancakes, or oatmeal!