Baked Applesauce With Thyme Food

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).

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.

GRANDMA'S APPLESAUCE CAKE

Steps:

• Place raisins and hot water in a small bowl; set aside. , In a large bowl, cream shortening and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in egg. Combine the flour, baking soda, salt and spices; add to creamed mixture alternately with applesauce and water. Drain raisins; fold into batter with the walnuts. , Transfer to a greased 13x9-in. baking pan. Bake at 300° for 40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Place pan on a wire rack. Dust with confectioners' sugar if desired. Serve warm or cold.

BAKED APPLESAUCE

Steps:

• Place apples in a greased 1-qt. baking dish. In a small bowl, combine the sugar, cinnamon and vanilla. Sprinkle over apples. , Cover and bake at 350° for 40-45 minutes or until apples are tender. Uncover and mash with a fork. Serve warm.

THYME-BAKED APPLE SLICES

Steps:

• Place cider in a large saucepan. Bring to a boil; cook until liquid is reduced to 2/3 cup, 18-20 minutes. Remove from heat; stir in butter., Peel and cut each apple into eight wedges. In a large bowl, toss apples with 1/4 cup of the reduced cider and 3 teaspoons thyme. Transfer to a foil-lined 15x10x1-in. baking pan. Bake 10 minutes., Drizzle with remaining reduced cider. Bake until tender, 12-15 minutes longer. Sprinkle with remaining thyme.