Making My Own Applesauce

I got some apples a couple of weeks ago when I was home in PA. Thank goodness they are hearty because I totally forgot they were in the crisper of my refrigerator. I saw them and decided to make some homemade applesauce. Mmmmm...autumn isn't gone just yet.

It is really so simple to make. I used six apples because simply that is what I had. But you can get a whole bushel and make a lot and then either can it or freeze it. It will keep a long time.



I used a apple corer from Pampered Chef, which a fantastic little kitchen gadget. I use mine all the time to core and slice apples. A little bit of elbow grease was needed to be used for these big apples though. :)

Then I put the slices into a big pot on the stove with the juice from one squeezed lemon and also 2-3 tablespoons of sugar. Bring the pot to a boil and then put a lid on the pot and reduce to simmer. I let it simmer for about 30-40 minutes. I then dump them into a collander to drain.

Next, I use a Miller Food Mill (this is my mom's and she has had it forever and I love it) to strain the apples through. You just put the slices into the mill and then move the wooden tool around and because the apples are so soft they push right through the little holes. The skin on the apples stays in, which is great because then you don't have to peel them prior to cooking them and that saves a ton of time.

I then just add some sugar and cinnamon to taste. I like mine a little on the tart side sometimes and so I just a little at first and then when I have some I may add more. My friend Megan taught me how to make applesauce and she and I would make it in graduate school. She is the one that told me to add Red Hots to the applesauce. You know, the little red candies that are used for cookie decorating. They really do make it much better.

So, go ahead try it. Go the grocery store and buy some apples and make yourself some applesauce. It is so much healthier for you because you don't have to add in any preservatives.