Ingredients:
- 6-8 medium-sized apples (a sweet variety like Gala, Fuji, or Honeycrisp works well)
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional, for a touch of brightness)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Apples:
a. Wash, peel, and core the apples. Cut them into small chunks or slices. Removing the skin is optional, depending on your preference.
2. Cook the Apples:
a. Place the apple chunks in a large saucepan or pot.
b. Add 1/2 cup of water to the pot to prevent sticking and burning. If you prefer a thicker apple sauce, you can start with 1/4 cup of water and add more as needed.
c. Cover the pot and cook the apples over medium heat. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
d. Continue cooking until the apples are tender and easily mashable with a fork. This usually takes about 15-20 minutes.
3. Sweeten and Spice:
a. Once the apples are soft, stir in the granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg (if using), and salt.
b. Adjust the sweetness and spice levels to your liking. You can add more or less sugar and cinnamon to suit your taste.
4. Mash or Blend:
a. You can choose to mash the cooked apples using a potato masher for a chunkier texture or use an immersion blender or food processor for a smoother consistency.
b. If using a blender or food processor, allow the apples to cool slightly before processing. Be cautious when blending hot ingredients.
5. Add Lemon Juice (Optional):
a. For a touch of brightness, you can add 1 teaspoon of lemon juice to enhance the flavor. This is optional but adds a pleasant contrast to the sweetness.
6. Serve or Store:
a. Your Homemade Apple Sauce is ready to be enjoyed! Serve it warm or chilled.
b. If you have leftover apple sauce, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
7. Enjoy:
a. Homemade Apple Sauce is delicious on its own, as a topping for pancakes or waffles, or as a side dish for a variety of dishes. It’s also a wonderful addition to desserts like apple crisps or as a filling for pastries.