Applesauce Two Ways

Happy Friday, everyone! Here are two cozy applesauce recipes that are a favorite in the Page family.  They are super easy to make, so grab some apples and bust out your biggest pot, because today we’re making homemade applesauce!

I chopped and peeled 16 apples (8 apples per recipe).

Pink Applesauce

This first recipe is something my aunt serves every Thanksgiving.  I always loved it as a kid because a secret ingredient makes it pink!

Start with your 8 peeled and chopped apples in a pot.  Add 1 T lemon juice and 1/2 cup apple cider.

Simmer on low for about an hour or until they become mushy enough to mash with a potato masher.

Close-up.  I like my applesauce a little chunky, but you can simmer longer or run it through a food processor if you prefer smooth sauce.

And now for the secret ingredient…!

Cinnamon dots! Sprinkle about 25 of these bad boys into the pot and let the heat from the applesauce melt them in.  Stir slowly so it absorbs all the flavor and color.  The final product:

The light is actually pretty bad in my kitchen, but I promise it’s pink! Not too pink for your macho relatives to enjoy, but pink enough to tickle.

French Applesauce

Recipe numero 2 is from my mother (it’s a real family affair in my kitchen today!).  I’m not sure why this is “French.” Perhaps it’s the butter.  The French love their butter.

Start with your 8 chopped apples. This time I left the skin on.  I like to make this applesauce really chunky and textured, so the skin stays on and I don’t mash them as smoothly.

To this pot add the 1 T lemon juice and 1/2 cup cider, along with many shakes of cinnamon (I adore cinnamon so I was not shy.  I probably used a tablespoon), 2 T butter, and 1/2 cup sugar (I always use white, but I imagine brown would be tasty, too).

Mix it well and let simmer for an hour or so.  Mash to your desired consistency.

As I said, I like this applesauce chunky.

And that’s it! It’s delectable hot or cold.  You can save it in the fridge for a bit or put it in the freezer for later.  Easy and delicious — my favorite kind of food!