Few things feel like fall to me as much as apples. Their juicy crispness and bright flavour mirror the crunch of colourful leaves underfoot and the coolness in the air at this time of year. An apple is an uncomplicated thing, just goodness and potential. I like simple, and apples are one of my favourite ingredients to keep on hand in the kitchen for everything from pies and tarts to soups and salads.
Applesauce is a classic and a kid-favourite that works for snacks, packed lunches and even dessert. I like it best with a little brown sugar and cinnamon stirred in. It's like apple pie in a bowl! Serve it cold out of the fridge or warmed up with an extra sprinkling of cinnamon on top. Delish!
Now go get the easy recipe below...
Homestyle Applesauce
Makes 6 cups (1.5 L) of sauce
4 lb (1.8 kg) saucing apples such as McIntosh, Gala or Fuji (about 10 to 12 large apples)
1 1/2 cups (375 mL) water
1/4 cup (60 mL) packed brown sugar
1 tsp (5 mL) ground cinnamon
Peel and core the apples, discarding the peels and cores. Chop the flesh into chunks, adding them to a large saucepan. Pour the water over the apple chunks. Set over high heat and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium and continue cooking, uncovered and stirring frequently, until all the apples are soft (about 15 to 20 minutes). Remove from the heat. Use a masher to get a smother but still chunky consistency. Stir in the brown sugar and cinnamon. Store in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
What are you making with apples this fall?