This post is written primarily for people like myself, who were previously unaware of just how simple homemade applesauce is to put together.
Simple Applesauce
I was just reviewing a recipe that calls for applesauce, and knowing we had none in our fridge or pantry, I looked no further than just outside our kitchen window, where our honey crisp tree stands laden with scads of deep red apples. Problem solved.
I grew up "helping" my mom make applesauce every fall. Her process seemed so much more involved than this, although honestly, I have no clue how she made hers. I was mostly interested in manning the wooden mallet of the chinos she used that magically turned mushy apples into a sweet autumn treat that we enjoyed year-round.
My sister now has our mom's chinos, and aside from the wonderful memories that it carries, in all likelihood, I would have little practical use for them - at least when it comes to applesauce.
A few weeks ago, Scott put some of this together, and I was amazed at the simplicity of the process. This afternoon in mid-October, I decided to give it a go myself, and the results were delicious.
This is going to taste great in that new recipe that I'll be putting together shortly, and it tastes just as great as a side or a snack. The measurements of this recipe are not precise because it's more of a method than a recipe, and it is all tailored to your tastes.
Do yourself a favor and pick up some tree-fresh apples. Grab a saucepan, a few spices, a lemon, and maybe just a little sugar. You're going to be amazed at the wonderful taste and how easily this applesauce comes together. -Dan
Ingredients
- 4-5 medium sized apples peeled and cored.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground allspice
- 1 pinch ground nutmeg
- juice from ½ lemon
- 1 tablespoon sugar
Instructions
- Place all ingredients in small sauce pan over medium-high heat, cover and bring to simmer.
- Reduce heat and continue to cook, stirring occasionally with wooden spoon.
- Cook and mash applesauce to desired consistency.
- Serve warm, if desired.
- Store unused portion in airtight container in refrigerator.
Notes
Consider a small amount of honey in lieu of sugar for sweetener.
John@Kitchen Riffs
Applesauce is one of those things I keep meaning to make, but never seem to get around to. And it's so easy! Love the spicing of yours. Good stuff -- thanks.
Dan from Platter Talk
Thanks, John.
Linda (Meal Planning Maven)
Lovely applesauce and your photos as usual are amazing! Oh yes indeed...so many people have no idea how easy it is to make their own applesauce! I actually make mine in the crockpot without even removing the peels, cores and seeds. After cooking, I just put the whole mixture through a ricer and voila...incredible homemade applesauce!
Patty Haxton Anderson
The hardest part is peeling and coring the apples! Lovely recipe.