Easy Applesauce

Recipe by The FruitGuys

INGREDIENTS

• Apples
• Water
• Sugar (optional)
• Cinnamon (optional)

PREPARATION

1. For each apple used, add 2–3 tablespoons water and 2 pinches of ground cinnamon (e.g. for 4 apples, use: ½–¾ cup water and ½ teaspoon cinnamon) Note: sugar is optional depending on the sweetness/tartness of the apples.
2. Peel, core, and chop apples.
3. Combine apples, water (start with less and add more as needed to achieve desired consistency), and cinnamon (if using) in a saucepan, cover, and cook over medium heat for 20–30 minutes or until soft enough to easily mash.
4. Taste sauce for sweetness. If desired, stir in sugar until completely dissolved.
5. Allow to cool, then mash or purée to your preference.

1 apple yields about ½ cup of sauce. Prep time, about 2 minutes per apple; cook time, 20–30 minutes.

Cook’s note: For pure applesauce, omit the cinnamon and don’t add any sugar. To store, you can use your preferred home canning method, or refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 weeks. Applesauce also freezes well (freezer jars, Ziploc bags, double-bagged ice cube trays, etc.) for several months.