Applesauce On A Stick Food

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.

CLASSIC APPLESAUCE

Steps:

• Combine apples, cinnamon stick, lemon juice, salt, and 1/4 cup water in a large Dutch oven or other heavy pot. Scrape in seeds from vanilla bean and add pod. Cover pot and cook over medium-low heat, occasionally stirring with a wooden spoon and checking to make sure apples are not scorching (add a splash of water if they are), until apples are soft and falling apart, 35-45 minutes. Uncover pot and let apples cool slightly.
• Working in batches, pass apples through food mill fitted with a medium disk into a large bowl; discard solids. If sauce is watery, return to pot and simmer over medium heat until thickened.
• Do Ahead:
• Applesauce can be made 4 days ahead. Let cool; cover and chill.

HOMEMADE APPLESAUCE

Steps:

• Adjust the seasoning and consistency as needed: If the applesauce is too thick, add more water to thin it out. If not sweet enough, add more sugar to taste. If too sweet, add more lemon juice.
• Enjoy: This applesauce is delicious either hot or chilled. It pairs well with pork chops for savory dishes, it's terrific with cottage cheese as a snack or light lunch, and it's great with vanilla ice cream or yogurt. Freezes well and will last at least 1 year in a cold freezer. If you freeze it, make sure to allow enough headroom (at least 1 inch) in your jar for expansion.

APPLESAUCE ON A STICK

Steps:

• Process apples, juice, cinnamon and raisins in blender or food processor until smooth; add sugar to taste.
• It will taste less sweet when frozen. Spoon into 3-4 ounce paper or plastic cups or frozen sucker molds.
• Place in freezer.
• When partially frozen, insert a stick in each cup and finish freezing.