Here in Virginia, apple season is almost upon us. Dozens of varieties will be ripe for the picking. What will you do with those beauties? One easy and kid-approved recipe is homemade apple sauce. If you’ve never had fresh applesauce, you’re in for a real treat. The cup and can varieties of store-bought applesauce don’t do the humble apple justice…and you have to taste the difference to believe it. I clipped this recipe (and have adapted it) from the Oct. 2008 issue of Cooking Light…it only look me 4 years to actually make it. This would make a great baby food, too, maybe just leave out the almond extract and cut back on the cinnamon.
Apple Sauce
5 1/2 c. peeled, chopped apple (about 4 apples, Cooking Light recommends Pink Lady apples but you can mix and match varieties. If you go green, use Golden Delicious over Granny Smith so the sauce isn’t too bitter.)
1/2 c. water
1/4 c. sugar (I use an unrefined, coarse one like Sugar in the Raw)
1.5 T lemon juice
1 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp. salt
Dash of almond extract (optional)
Combine all ingredients in a large saucepan or pot. Bring to a boil then reduce heat to low, cover and simmer for 35 minutes. Mash with potato masher to desired consistency.