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Simple and Delicious Homemade Applesauce
Table of Contents
Ingredients:
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- 5 pounds apples (combination of McIntosh, Golden Delicious, Granny Smith, Fuji, and Jonathan)
- 1/2 cup water
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 (3-inch) cinnamon stick
Optional Add-Ins:
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- 1/2 cup brown sugar
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- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions:
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- Prepare the Apples:
- Peel, core, and chop the apples into small pieces.
- Prepare the Apples:
- Cook the Apples:
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- In a large pot, combine the chopped apples, water, lemon juice, and the cinnamon stick.
- Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let it simmer for about 20-30 minutes, or until the apples are very soft.
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- Mash the Apples:
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- Remove the cinnamon stick.
- For a chunky applesauce, use a potato masher to mash the apples to your desired consistency.
- For a smoother applesauce, use an immersion blender or transfer the mixture to a blender and puree until smooth.
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- Add Optional Ingredients:
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- If you prefer a sweeter applesauce, stir in the brown sugar, butter, ground cinnamon, and vanilla extract while the applesauce is still warm.
- Mix well until all the ingredients are fully incorporated.
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- Cool and Store:
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- Let the applesauce cool to room temperature.
- Store in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to a week or freeze for longer storage.
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Health Benefits
Homemade applesauce is not only delicious but also offers numerous health benefits:
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- Apples: Rich in dietary fiber, particularly pectin, which aids in digestion and helps maintain a healthy gut. Apples are also a good source of vitamins C and A, which boost the immune system and promote skin health. The antioxidants in apples help reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease and diabetes.
- Lemon Juice: Provides vitamin C and acts as a natural preservative, preventing the apples from browning and adding a fresh, tangy flavor.
- Cinnamon: Contains antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties. It also helps regulate blood sugar levels.
Cooking Tips
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- Choose a Variety of Apples: Using a mix of apple varieties such as McIntosh, Golden Delicious, Granny Smith, Fuji, and Jonathan provides a balanced flavor profile and texture.
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- Peel and Core Properly: Ensure that all the apples are peeled and cored properly to avoid any unwanted texture in the applesauce.
- Cook Until Soft: Cook the apples until they are very soft to ensure they mash or blend smoothly.
- Adjust Sweetness: Taste the applesauce before adding any optional sweeteners. Depending on the sweetness of the apples used, you may need more or less sugar.
- Customize the Texture: For chunky applesauce, use a potato masher. For smooth applesauce, use an immersion blender or a regular blender.