Applesauce can be a delicious addition to a variety of dishes; the German Potato Pancakes (Kartoffelpuffer) with applesauce come to mind immediately as the most famous mélange. But you can also mix it with plain yogurt or granola, spread it on a slice of crispy bread or enjoy it pure and simple.
To make your own applesauce is very easy. Whether you use apples freshly picked in an orchard or utilize those old and wrinkly apples from the fruit basket in your kitchen doesn’t matter. Simply peel and slice the fruit, and let it cook until it’s soft. I’m not using sugar or any other sweeteners in my recipe. To emphasize the apples’ natural flavor and aroma I use clove (2-3 buds), a cinnamon stick, and a vanilla bean. Since we all have our preferences, I leave it up to you what spices and how much of them do you want to use.
Last but not least: a small jar of homemade applesauce with a handwritten label can make a wonderful homemade gift.
Wash, peel, quarter and core the apples. If necessary cut into smaller pieces. Place apples, water, lemon juice and spices in a pot. If you are also adding a vanilla bean, slit it open lengthwise, scrape out the pulp and add both, pulp and vanilla bean, in the pot. Bring everything to boil then reduce the heat and let it simmer at low heat until the apples are soft and falling apart, about 20 minutes. Remove and discard clove, cinnamon stick, and vanilla bean. Purée the apples with a stick blender or mash it with a potato masher if you like your applesauce chunky. Fill the applesauce into small jars to preserve following these directions.Homemade Applesauce
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