Easier than most people think. You can make Apple sauce on the stove, in the oven or in the microwave! It's a great way to use up any extra apples you have kicking around. You know the ones, when everyone has decided they no longer want to eat apples or the ones you left in the fruit bowl too long and now they are soft... Jen G
Ingredients:
6-8 medium-sized apples (a mix of sweet and tart varieties like RI Greening and Honeycrisp works well)
1/2 cup water
1/4 cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste), optional
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, to prevent browning)
Instructions:
Prepare the Apples: Peel, core, and chop the apples into small chunks.
Cook the Apples:
In a large saucepan, combine the chopped apples, water, sugar, and cinnamon.
If you're using lemon juice, add it to the mixture.
Stir well to coat the apples evenly.
Simmer: Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a simmer.
Cover and Cook: Reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan with a lid, and let the apples simmer for about 15-20 minutes. Stir occasionally.
Check for Doneness: Check the apples for doneness by mashing them with a fork or spoon. They should be soft and easily mashable.
Adjust Sweetness: Taste the applesauce and adjust the sweetness if needed by adding more sugar.
Blend (Optional): If you prefer a smoother consistency, use an immersion blender or transfer the mixture to a blender (once it has cooled slightly) and blend until you reach your desired texture.
Serve: Allow the applesauce to cool before serving. You can serve it warm or chilled.
Store: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Homemade applesauce can be refrigerated for about a week.
Microwave Instructions: Prepare Apples as above. In a large non-plastic microwave safe dish (I use a covered pyrex casserole dish), combine the chopped apples, water, sugar, and cinnamon and optional lemon juice. Microwave on high for 10 minutes stirring every 3 minutes to check for doneness. Repeat as necessary until you reach doneness. Follow the remainder of the instructions, checking for sweetness and blending if wanted.
Oven Instructions: Prepare Apples as above. In a large oven safe dish (I use a covered pyrex casserole dish), combine the chopped apples, water, sugar, and cinnamon and optional lemon juice. Bake at whatever temperature you have your oven set at for whatever else you are cooking. Check for doneness after about 30 minutes. Repeat as necessary until you reach doneness. Follow the remainder of the instructions, checking for sweetness and blending if wanted.
Enjoy your homemade applesauce as a delicious side dish or a topping for desserts!
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