Homemade Applesauce

Ingredients

• 3 lbs apples
• 1 cup water
• 3 Tablespoons granulated sugar¹ (see note)
• 2 teaspoons lemon juice
• 2 cinnamon sticks² (optional, see note to omit or use ground cinnamon)

Steps

1. 1

   Combine apples, water, sugar, lemon juice, and cinnamon sticks in a large pot on the stovetop. Stir to combine.

2. 2

   Turn stovetop heat to medium and bring mixture to a simmer. Reduce heat to medium/low, cover with lid, and continue to cook for 20-30 minutes, checking/stirring just once or twice to make sure the heat is not too high and apples are not burning to the bottom of the pot.

3. 3

   Cook until apples are completely soft and tender when pierced with a fork (they should give easily to the fork and offer no resistance).

4. 4

   Remove from heat and carefully remove cinnamon sticks. Mash with a potato masher (for chunkier applesauce) or blend with an immersion blender until smooth (for a smoother applesauce). You may also transfer the apples to a blender and puree until smooth if you don’t have an immersion blender.

5. 5

   If applesauce is too watery for your liking you can return to the stovetop and cook over medium/low heat, stirring occasionally, until the water is reduced and mixture is the desired consistency.

6. 6

   Allow to cool and then serve!