Friday, October 2, 2009

It is Apple Time!

It is apple season in many parts of the country. I know that in our area, the orchards are full of apples. We made our first visit to an area orchard a couple of weeks ago. I had a few apples left and didn't want them to go to waste, so I made applesauce. It is so easy to make and it doesn't take very long. It is also so much better tasting and better for you than anything you buy in a jar. The only ingredients you need are apples, water and a little bit of sugar and cinnamon if you like.



Ingredients:


8 apples (any variety)

1 cup water

1 T. sugar (optional)

1/2 tsp. cinnamon (optional)



Peel the apples and cut them into quarters. You can use a potato peeler, but I find it easier to cut them into quarters and cut out the seeds, and peel the apple section with a sharp knife.


When you get them all peeled and quartered, put them in a large saucepan with 1 cup of water. Cover the pan and bring them to a simmer, reduce heat. Let them simmer at a low heat until they are very tender when you test them with with a fork (about 45 minutes).



When they are very tender use a spatula (or a fork) and mash the apples into a chunky applesauce. If you like your applesauce more smooth, you can let the apples cool and put them in a food processor or blender. We like ours chunky. You now have sugar free applesauce. If you want to sweeten slightly, stir in 1 T. of sugar (or more if you like it sweet). I also add 1/2 tsp. of cinnamon to mine. Serve warm or cold.



*Mom hint-My mom stirs in a few Redhots Candy into her warm applesauce instead of sugar and cinnamon. They melt and give the sauce a pink color, and a sweet, cinnamon flavor.

14 comments:

Sue said...

I love the redhot Candy idea. I might make a batch of applesauce just to try it. Our area has a record crop of apples. It's a shame to see them go to waste. I suppose they won't really go to waste, the deer will stay healthy this winter.

Lexie said...

i wouldnt have thought to add red hots! very neat idea!

Sue said...

Sue, Lexie...that is the way my mom always made it and it is very good. I sometimes use a product called Savannah Cinnamon. I haven't been able to find it for a while, but just found some at Cracker Barrel. It is good in applesauce, cider and other things. Here is the link for it:
http://www.savannahcinnamon.com/

koralee said...

Applesauce my favourite! I have lots of time this weekend so may whip up a batch...i have not made it for awhile! Happy weekend to you!

koralee said...

Applesauce my favourite! I have lots of time this weekend so may whip up a batch...i have not made it for awhile! Happy weekend to you!

Sue said...

koralee-I love homemade applesauce, but I can't eat that stuff in the jar!

Miss Red said...

oh wow does this look delicious! my grandpa always makes the best home made applesauce - yum yum!

Sue said...

Miss Red-now you can make your own!

JUST ME said...

YESSSS.

As a New England girl by birth, I LOVE ALL THINGS APPLE.

How about an apple spice cake recipe??? I'd jump for joy. :)

Sue said...

jm-I'll work on that for you. I have a great apple cake recipe of my mom's that I haven't made in a while. I'll dig it out.

BrightenedBoy said...

Homemade applesauce, and goodness it looks delicious. You could make money doing what you're doing right now, and I mean that seriously. I think you're going to become very popular here.

So many people (myself included) are looking for someone like you to impart these basic tips!

Sue said...

BB-thanks for the kind words, I really do appreciate them. Thanks for reading what I'm writing!

Gretchen said...

Okay now I'm hungry! Thanks for the recipe, I'm going to make it! Enjoy the rest of your day. ~gretchen

Sue said...

Gretchen-thank you for stopping by, I hope you enjoy the recipe!