Three Apple Applesauce Recipes

THE BEST HOMEMADE APPLESAUCE

Steps:

• Combine the apples, sugar, 1 cup water and 1/2 teaspoon salt in a large pot. Bring to a simmer over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally. Reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover with a tight-fitting lid and cook until the apples are very soft, 18 to 20 minutes.
• Stir in the lemon juice and cinnamon. Let cool for 5 minutes or so, then transfer the apple mixture to a blender, filling no more than halfway. Remove the center cap from the lid and place it on the blender. Cover the lid with a folded kitchen towel to catch splatters and pulse until smooth. Alternatively, puree in the pan with an immersion blender.
• Transfer the applesauce to a bowl and refrigerate until cool, about 1 hour. Store leftover applesauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

3-INGREDIENT APPLESAUCE (NO SUGAR ADDED)

Steps:

• To a medium saucepan (see notes for Instant Pot instructions) add peeled chopped apples, cinnamon, a dash of water (~2-3 Tbsp / 30-45 ml as original recipe is written), and lemon juice or apple cider vinegar. Stir.
• Cover and cook over medium heat until it simmers, then reduce heat to low / medium-low and continue cooking until the apples are very tender and slightly caramelized - about 15-20 minutes. Stir occasionally.
• Use the back of a wooden spoon or potato masher to mash into a loose sauce. You could also blend with an immersion blender, in a food processor or high-speed blender for smoother texture (optional) - a helpful step if you left the skins on. Add a dash of maple syrup or sugar of choice to sweeten (optional - depends on sweetness of your apples).
• Enjoy fresh, or store cooled leftovers in the refrigerator up to 4-5 days, or in the freezer up to 1 month. Enjoy cold or reheated in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat until hot (add more water as needed if dry).

SARAH'S APPLESAUCE

Steps:

• 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.

THREE-APPLE APPLESAUCE

Steps:

• Peel, core and thinly slice all apples. Place apples in large microwave-safe bowl. Add 1/4 cup water to bowl. Cover with plastic wrap and microwave on high 10 minutes. Stir apples. Continue to microwave, uncovered, until apples are very tender, about 5 minutes longer. Using large fork, coarsely mash apples. Mix in 1 tablespoon sugar. (Applesauce can be prepared 2 days ahead. Cover and refrigerate.)