Applesauce-made two ways
I just went through all my apples checking for bruises and spots and composting the bad. One thing is for sure, it’s time to make a big batch of applesauce! You only need one ingredient… apples. I like to mix a variety of apples to add more flavors, but use whatever you have on hand. So, the question is… Do you like yours smooth or chunky? Well, follow along and we will explore a couple of different ways to make it using only apples.
Do you have a food mill? It’s what I use to make a smooth applesauce and you don’t have to peal or core the apples. That’s right no peeling and no coring. The redder the apples skins the pinker the sauce will be.
Clean apples in water, I like to cut the apples in half to check for critters that may have snuck into the core when I wasn’t looking. I also like to cut the blossom end off; I don’t like to see those little “hairs” in my sauce. I also cut out any bad spots.
Place in large stockpot; add about an inch of water, cover and bring to a boil. Then turn down and let simmer until apples are nice and soft. My Dad will add some fresh cranberries from time to time; it will make the sauce a pretty pink hue. Try it sometime, just add them in with the apples to cook.
Place the food mill over a bowl and using a slotted spoon scoop up apples and place into the food mill. Turn that handle and turn some more. Compost the peelings.
Look at the beautiful applesauce! That’s all I do. If you feel the need to add sugar, brown sugar, honey or agave do as you please. Add some cinnamon if you like. Eat it warm, eat it cold or freeze it for later use. My hubby likes it out of the freezer when it’s almost thawed but still icy.
If you don’t have a food mill or the apples are very faulty. Clean apples in water, peel, core and coarse chop. Place in a stockpot with an inch of water and bring to a boil; simmer until soft OR place apples in a microwave safe casserole with a lid, add a bit of water, cover; microwave on high for 8 minutes. Stir and continue to cook at 1 minute intervals until nice and soft.
Take a potato masher and mash until desired consistency. Another lovely sauce! Again if you want to add your choice of sweetener or a dash of cinnamon, don’t let me stop you. You go right ahead. Again eat it warm, eat it cold or put in freezer containers and freeze for later. Enjoy!
I just made some more applesauce and I added some cranberries. See how pretty it is!
