There are few homemade goodies as comforting as applesauce. Just Applesauce is as good as it gets. It's a simple mixture of apples, cinnamon sticks and lemon -- no sugar
added. It's so easy to make, so delicious to eat and really good for you. Ethan, Steven and Brad love it. I make this every year when we come home from apple picking. This year the boys were both away at college so Brad and I managed apple picking on our own. Just Applesauce can top oatmeal or yogurt, and can be mixed into baked goods. We like it best eaten straight out of the bowl.
Before we get to the recipe here are a few pictures from our apple picking adventure. We always set out with the best intentions to only pick specific apples for eating and baking. Though by the time we get to the farm and start walking around all bets are off. We start following the maze of trees and start sampling the ones that look delicious and before we know it our bag is full. This is exactly what happened on this day. We had a great time and the weather was perfect. Now to the Just Applesauce recipe...
Ingredients for Just Applesauce:
yields 4-5 pints
12-14 assorted apples
1/2 small lemon
2 pinches Kosher salt
2-3 cinnamon sticks
3/4 cup water
You will also need an oven-safe pot.
Time-Saving Tip: Just Applesauce can be made in advance and keeps well in the refrigerator for a week or more.
Let's see what we need.
Now it's time to make the applesauce.
Preheat the oven to 350-degrees. Peel, core and cut the apples into chunks and place all of them into the pot. I find it easier to use a paring knife to peel all the apples instead of a peeler. Once the pot is full throw in a few pinches of Kosher salt, the cinnamon sticks, squeeze half a lemon into the apples, add the water and give the pot a big stir. Place the covered pot in the oven and bake for about an hour and a half. Check periodically, when the apples are soft it is ready.
Once the apples are soft give them a big stir. This will break down the apples and you can stir until you get the texture you want. Sometimes I stop at chunky applesauce and other times smooth. It's that easy.
It's ready! You can eat it right away and enjoy it warm or wait until it's cooled. It is delicious both ways. I like to put it in jars to keep or to give away. This applesauce is so good. You will be amazed at how yummy and easy it is to make.
Enjoy!