Whenever I find a bag of discounted apples at our local Willy Street Co-op, I make applesauce. These apples tend to be bruised and sometimes ugly, but perfect for applesauce!
Ingredients:
Note: You can play around with amounts. I based this recipe on what I purchased that day. Less apples? Use just enough water to cover them.
-2 quarts water (or enough to cover the apples)
-Cinnamon (start with 2-3 tsp, taste, add more if desired)
Optional: vanilla and honey
Directions:
1. Roughly chop apples, place in large pot (there is no need to peel the apples).
2. Cover with water and start to boil.
3. Once boiling, lower to a simmer and cook until apples start to fall apart (about 15 minutes).
4. When apples are done, let cool for awhile. This makes them easier (and safer) to handle when transferring them to a blender.
5. When cool enough to handle, blend the apples in batches. I use 4 cups apples to 1 cup cooking liquid. You can pulse them quickly to leave chunks, or blend completely (especially for those picky kiddos).
6. Transfer each batch to a large bowl. Once all the apples are blended and in the bowl you can add the cinnamon. If the mixture is not sweet enough for you, this is the time to add honey. It is best done while the mixture is still warm. A little vanilla is nice too.
So, what does 5 pounds of apples make?
1 quart and 3 pint jars of sauce which I will put in the freezer, 16 ounces of apple juice (keep the cooking liquid!), plus 1 small bowl of applesauce my daughter can not wait to eat!
Why do I make it? Besides the fact that I love cooking, it is for the cost savings of course! One jar of organic apple sauce can cost anywhere from $3-$6. For $5 I made everything mentioned above. Also, I have a bonus pint of apple juice (again, feel free to add a little honey to the warm juice before refrigerating it).
Warm apple sauce is delicious topped with some vanilla yogurt and granola, or if you really want to be naughty, vanilla ice cream. Enjoy!
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