Homemade Applesauce

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One of my favorite things to witness and anticipate is the changing of seasons. The main reason why is because I look forward to the change of produce and cooking styles that come along with the season. The best time to buy produce is when it is in season. It tastes better and is usually more affordable. For me, whenever I think of fall I think of a more rustic and cozier cooking style with ingredients such as pumpkins, squash, wild mushrooms, pears, brussels sprouts- and oh did I mention apples?!

 I went apple picking with my sister (Jackie), brother-in-law (Jeff), sister (Christina) and sister's boyfriend (Bryan).....talk about being a third wheel! We had a lot of fun picking apples at Jaswell's Farm (RI'S oldest apple picking orchard).

Coming home with some pounds of beautiful hand-picked local apples I was inspired to make homemade applesauce. Making applesauce is so easy and much tastier than store-bought. Out of all of the traditional things to make with apples I really think that applesauce is one of the most easiest and rewarding. So if homemade apple pie, crisp or butter intimates you, try my applesauce! I really don't know why more people don't make it.

Can I just mention that it doesn't help to be a ripe 5'3" when picking apples- luckily I had some taller friends to help.


Ingredients:

6-8 apples,  peeled, cored, and quartered (it is best when you use a variety of different apples such as Granny Smith, Macoun, Empire, McIntosh ect...)

1 cup apple cider

3 tbs. apple jack brandy or calvados

zest of 1/2 a small lemon 

2 tbs. butter

1/3-1/2 cup brown sugar

1 1/2 tsp. cinnamon

pinch nutmeg

pinch salt

1. Put all of the ingredients together in a medium sized pot. 
2. On medium-high heat cover the pot and let the ingredients boil. One the ingredients boil, lower the temperature and bring it down to a simmer. Cook for about 25-35 minutes or until the apples are tender when pricked with a fork. Taste to adjust seasonings (depending on how sweet your apples are you may need to add more sugar). 
3. Remove from heat and mash with a potato masher. Mash until the apples reach the consistency you desire (I kept mine chunky). 

Happy Eatings!