Mishmash Applesauce 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.

HOMEMADE APPLESAUCE

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
• Place the zest and juice of the oranges and lemon in a large bowl. Peel, quarter, and core the apples (reserving the peel of 2 of the red apples) and toss them in the juice. Pour the apples, reserved apple peel, and juice into a nonreactive Dutch oven or enameled iron pot. Add the brown sugar, butter, cinnamon, and allspice and cover the pot. Bake for 1 1/2 hours, or until all the apples are soft. Remove and discard the red apple peel. Mix with a whisk until smooth, and serve warm or at room temperature.

NEW CROP APPLESAUCE

Steps:

• Peel and core apples, then cut into large chunks. Put chunks in a wide heavy saucepan and add sugar, lemon and cinnamon stick. Mix with wooden spoon. Add 1/2 cup water.
• Set pan over medium-high heat and bring to a brisk simmer. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover and cook until apples are soft, about 15 minutes. Remove lemon and cinnamon stick, then mash apples with wooden spoon, leaving mixture fairly rough. Serve warm, at room temperature or chilled.