There's nothing like making homemade applesauce that says fall and since I'm working on making some more this weekend, I thought it would be a good time to repost how we make it. So simple - if you've never made your own, carve out some time this month to try it - you'll be glad that you did.
Ingredients - to taste and to size of batch of applesauce:
apples - I used 2 pecks and got 6+ quarts of applesauce
cinnamon
sugar
vanilla
fresh lemon juice
water
Tools:
stockpot (I had to use 2 pots for 2 pecks of apples)
wooden spoon
potato masher - to break down apples as they are cooking
potato masher - to break down apples as they are cooking
storage containers for freezing
Apple corer/peeler
(If you don't have one of these, you should buy one - huge timesaver and makes anything apple fun in the kitchen for the kids.)
Steps:
Wash apples
Peel, core, slice - if you have the above tool, this is one step - you can also just peel, core and chunk the apples to keep it easy peasy.
Sometimes the apple corer/peelers have a hard time with softer apples - which these were - so I cut a little starting point for the apple and they peel easily.
Put apple slices in large pot with a little water - I start with about a half of a cup of water and just add as needed, depending on desired consistency.
Add juice of about half a lemon
After the apples have cooked down, add sugar ( start with about 3/4 cup), about 1 teaspoon of vanilla and cinnamon to taste.
Cook down a little more to desired consistency and mash with a potato masher or large spoon - adjust sugar and flavors.
Even though I am not canning these, I used my canning thingy to add the sauce to the wide mouth jars - no drips or sticky sides.
Did you know that you can put canning jars in the freezer for storage? That's where these jars are going.
Except for this bowl, that's for me.
What's your best homemade applesauce tip? Have a favorite method?
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ReplyDeleteSorry...my computer accidentally sent my previous post before I was done typing! I was saying that a friend of mine posted about your mop giveaway on facebook and I decided to come by and check out your blog! I am glad that I stopped by and became a follower! Cute blog with useful tips!
ReplyDeletewww.sugarfootmomma.blogspot.com
I see that you use Penzey spices. I used the Penzey cinnamon this year for my applesauce and didn't have to use half as much as I usually do from the store bought stuff because the flavor is so strong and wonderful. I heart Penzey's.
ReplyDeleteI have a saucer so that I cut up the apples, cook them, run them through the saucer which grinds the apples and separates all the stuff I don't want. It's so easy. I have over 30 jars so far. We are going back to get more apples tomorrow.
My tip is that you don't have to have the prettiest apples. Mine were sold $8 for a 5 gallon bucket. It took some work to find some decent ones and even those looked ifffy. But when I cut them up they were perfect on the inside.
This looks soo good Becky...it would be delish over french toast or pancakes, or warm some up over vanilla ice cream...or...lol
ReplyDeleteThank-you for taking the time to share these recipes with us!
I've never added vanilla to applesauce before, have to try it I think. I only have enough apples for one more batch so I think this will be a good one to try!
ReplyDeleteHere from Tidymom, have a great weekend!
I will have to try the vanilla. YUM! I make applesauce every year in my crockpot. Fill the crockpot with apples (peeled, cored and chopped), add a little water. Then add a couple tablespoons of cinnamon and 1/2 cup or so of sugar. You can always add more if you need it. This also works with splenda or a splenda blend. Mix everything and cook on low for 6-8 hours. This is a little darker than yours but YUM! Awesome over ice cream.
ReplyDeleteI love the crockpot... here is a reciepe I found...
ReplyDelete8 large apples cored, peeled, sliced
1/2 cup of water
3/4 cup of brown sugar
1 Tablespoon of Cinnamon
Cook on high for 4 hours, mash up, eat warm! It doesn't make a ton, just enough for the family to have a couple of helpings!!
Ummm...exactly how much is a peck of apples?? I keep finding conflicting answers on the internet :)
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