Recipe: Apple Cider Applesauce

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Full of fresh apples and warm spices, there’s no substitute for homemade applesauce. The addition of apple cider creates a deeper apple flavor.

12 apples (I love Gala)
1 cup brown sugar
3/4 cup apple cider**
2 Tbsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp ground nutmeg
1 tsp salt
1 1/2  tsp vanilla
juice from half of a lemon (about 1 tsp)

Peel and core the apples. Chop into thin slices. 

Place apples into a large pot. 

Stir in remaining ingredients, making sure apples slices are evenly coated. 

Cook apples over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the apples are soft. Approximately 25-30 minutes. If the liquid cooks down too much, stir in additional apple cider, 1/4 cup at a time.

Using a potato masher, carefully mash the apples until they are no longer recognizable slices.* 

Stir the applesauce and continue cooking until desired consistency is reached. 

Remove from heat and give the apples one final mash to break up any remaining larger chunks. 

Cool and enjoy!

Notes on this recipe:  

*This is a chunky applesauce. If you prefer a smooth applesauce, swap the potato masher for an immersion blender or puree apples in a food processor or traditional blender. (If using a traditional blender, puree in small batches.)

**You can use apple juice or water in place of the apple cider. It will make for a lighter color applesauce and you may need to add more brown sugar. Be sure to taste your applesauce and adjust according to your sweetness preferences.