My Grandma was one to never waste. I remember she used to have apples sitting out on her counter that were WAY past prime in what would probably be most peoples opinions. They would have bruises and other non-appetizing spots. But since she grew up in WWII England, there was always something she could salvage. She would take any past-prime apples and turn them into a simple applesauce. Now, to be honest I never liked my Grandmothers applesauce. It was always super tart. And I don’t know why because she used red apples, not granny smith… it was like she never used sugar and the color always came out kind of pink. I just wasn’t a fan. But to this day I find joy in making my own applesauce simply because it reminds me of her.
Personally I like to make my applesauce with MacIntosh apples. These are a few others that make great applesauce- Pippin, Rhode Island Greening, McIntosh, Elstar, Cortland, Fuji, Gala, Gravenstein. You basically want to look for softer apples. I can’t really tell you what kind of apple I used here because it came off the tree in my backyard and I have no clue what kind it is… I am guessing maybe Fuji? Who knows. Regardless it made some really great apple pie and applesauce. So I guess there really isn’t a true apple that is better for either. Like I said, I enjoy Mac’s for my applesauce, but then again, I also use them in my pie. It’s just my preference. I like my pie apples to be tender and soft, not crisp. I would never use a granny smith in an apple pie. But there again, that is just personal preference.
And don’t even get me started on how much better for you homemade applesauce is than store bought. Yes, you can buy the organic, unsweetened kind, which is not too bad for you, but still… when you make it homemade you can control all elements. Sweetness, tartness, chunkiness. Everything. So with that in mind, use this recipe as a guideline. Taste it to see how it’s coming along, whether you think it needs to be sweeter or maybe it needs more water. You kind of have to play parts of it by ear. Don’t get me wrong though, it couldn’t be easier to make!
- 4 apples – peeled, cored and chopped
- ¾ cup water
- ¼ cup white sugar
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- In a saucepan, combine apples, water, sugar, and cinnamon. Cover, and cook over medium heat for 15 to 20 minutes, or until apples are soft. Allow to cool, then mash with a fork or potato masher.
adapted from allrecipes.com
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
I always mash my applesauce with a potato masher! That way there are still some chunks. I don’t add cinnamon because my husband isn’t a fan but instead add a dash of lemon juice.
I make this applesauce all the time. It’s awesome!! Try it with brown sugar …