Monday, October 11, 2010

Homemade Applesauce

I love apples, all kinds of apples, and I love them in every way, shape, and form - pie, cake, brownies, breads, out of hand, you get the point. But, I confess that sometimes I buy more apples than I can eat. Which was the predicament I found myself in today. Since I don't have anyone else to cook for and no immediate person to give goodies to, I decided against using them in baked goods. Plus, I was craving something healthy. So I decided to make . . . .




APPLESAUCE!!!











This has truly been a year of firsts for me - baking my own bread, making my own jam, and now cooking up a pot of applesauce. It's been a wonderful and fun learning experience. Not to mention, it'll do wonders for my food storage someday.

I used gala and fuji apples, since that's what I had in my fridge. But, I would imagine that any type of cooking apple would work in this recipe. I also omitted the sugar since I prefer my applesauce as natural as possible. Trust me, you really don't need it. Spices, on the other hand, are a must for me. I added in some cinnamon, a dash of ginger, and a little cardamom.

I was amazed by how quickly the applesauce came together. In less than half an hour, I had this beautiful bowlful of applesauce all ready for snacking.


Oh yum. Goodbye store-bought applesauce.


Sarah's Applesauce (adapted from Allrecipes)

4 apples - peeled, cored and chopped
3/4 c. water
1/4 c. sugar (I omitted this)
1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
dash of ginger and cardamom (optional)

In a saucepan, combine apples, water, sugar, and cinnamon. Cover and cook over medium heat for 15-20 min., or until apples are soft. Allow to cool, then mash with a fork or potato masher.



This recipe is linked to:

A Moderate Life's "Hearth 'n Soul Hop"
My Sweet and Savory's "My Meatless Mondays"
All the Small Stuff's "Tuesdays at the Table"
Dr. Laura's Tasty Tuesday

45 comments:

  1. Nice to meet you.
    I love homemade applesauce, I am getting ready to can some.

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  2. Oooh, I like the addition of cardamom! That sounds quite amazing. I'm like you, I doubt I'll ever go back to store-bought applesauce again:)

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  3. Homemade applesauce is the best!!

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  4. Hi Lisa,

    Your applesauce sounds easy and healthy, thanks for visiting my site...

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  5. There is nothing like homemade applesauce. We used to have apple trees so I made lots of iot. Good choice to link to MMM.

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  6. Indeed, making a sauce out of seasonal apples is a great idea for a person (me!) who does not bake :)

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  7. Hi Lisa, Thanks for visiting my blog. I make my applesauce in the slow cooker; so easy, no scorching or stirring. I also have an apple addiction but there are worse things, right?

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  8. It still surprises me that some people buy apple sauce in a jar...it's so easy to make at home.

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  9. Apple brownies? I'd like to see that recipe. Thank you for sharing with the Hearth and Soul hop. I love applesauce, and put up a zillion jars of it this year.

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  10. Homemade applesauce is much more flavorful than what you buy in the store! I get "not so perfect" apples from my brother and make applesauce to freeze or can. I've never added cardamom, but it sounds yummy- I'll have to try that the next time I make some!

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  11. Good for you for making all this great homemade stuff! I've had a lot of food firsts myself this year. :) Your applesauce looks great. It is apple season around here and I love it!

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  12. Hi Lisa! Thanks for stopping by my blog. Your applesauce looks so delicious. And love that cardamon addition. I am sure ginger would taste delicious too.

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  13. Homemade applesauce is the best. We can use the fresh and beautiful apples and cook to our own taste. Yours look great. Love it.

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  14. Simple and delicious. I think it's time I made some too. It's lovely Lisa!

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  15. I'll have to try it will a little cardamom next time. Great idea.

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  16. I just adore apples this time of year... if you have a chance go to the farmer's market and try everything!
    Thanks for stopping by "Satisfied"
    ~Chef Louise

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  17. My husband loves to have his Spaghetti Bolognaise with applesauce. I shall try to give him some homemade!
    Thanks, Lisa, for stopping by my site. :-))
    Angie

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  18. Hi Lisa!! I LOVE making homemade applesauce! I got hooked on making my own when I started making my own baby food for the kids. Now it is the only applesauce that I even like to eat. Just posted my recipe for it last week!! This one looks great!

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  19. This looks good! Thanks for dropping by, and I'm linking up for the first time! Have a nice day!

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  20. My roommate makes homemadee applesauce a lot and it blows storebought out of the water. I love the spices you added to this!

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  21. What a pretty picture of that applesauce. I love all things apple, especially homemade applesauce.

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  22. This looks most delicious Lisa. Apples are going out of season in South Africa where we are, but we'll try this next winter! Thanks for visiting our blog.

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  23. My favorite thing growing up was when my mom made homemade applesauce with pork chops. There's NOTHING like homemade applesauce. This looks fantastic!

    Sues

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  24. It's great when you make these things at home and you can decide whether or not you want to add or omit an ingredient. Like you, I would have omitted the sugar as well.

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  25. Great looking applesauce! You are right - who needs sugar... unsweetened applesauce is pretty sweet on its own!

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  26. This applesauce looks perfect! And I'm with you, it definitely doesn't need any extra sugar. Thanks for sharing and thanks for the great blog hop!

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  27. Hi there! Thanks so much for coming by my blog! I do hope that you will come back! Your applesauce looks totally awesome! And I agree with you and others who have commented that sugar is not necessary!

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  28. Applesauce looks yummy! Do you can your applesauce?
    jen @ messhalltobistro.blogspot.com

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  29. I just made applesauce too! (Linked it up with Apple Pie Filling) But, I made mine plain because I canned it and the family all likes different things on their applesauce. But, I love spices, and had never thought of adding anything other than cinnamon. Your version is a great idea!

    Thanks for sharing at Dr. Laura's Tasty Tuesday @ WhoIsLaura.com

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  30. YUM!! There is nothing better than homemade applesauce. This looks delicious. Thanks for stopping by and I am so happy to have found your blog. Now following!!

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  31. Hi Lisa and welcome to the hearth and soul hop! I always love when new folks link up so I can check out their digs! I am now following your blog. I adore making home made applesauce with my Gran's recipe. It really makes the house smell divine and the taste is so much better than the jarred stuff! Thanks again and hope to see you on the hop next week. Alex@amoderatelife

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  32. Hi Lisa...
    Thanks for your sweet comments! I am enjoying your blog as well!!!! You must have read my mind...b/c I have been craving home-made applesauce all week! Mmmmmm..... I will definitely give your recipe a try!!! Thanks so much for sharing!!:)

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  33. My kids love homemade applesauce when it is still warm. mmmm....

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  34. what a great way to use up all that apples. healthy too!

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  35. Looks great and I totally agree with you that eating apples don't need any extra sugar

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  36. I love the addition of cardamom in this! I bet it was exceptional!

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  37. OH YUM. Bookmarking this post for sure. I'm always on the lookout for some good homemade applesauce!

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  38. Looks really delicious and healthy... Thanks, this post has reminded me about my mom who used to prepare an apple every morning for my breakfast and left tonnes of sweet memories!

    Sawadee from Bangkok,
    Kris

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  39. Thanks for stopping by today! I have always wanted to make homemade apple sauce and now I have to try it, thanks for the recipe! Loving your yummy blog!!

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  40. oh Lisa this sounds yummy. I'm SUCH a fan of cardamon! And applesauce - great combo.

    Maggie
    http://ceodraiocht.wordpress.com

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  41. wow...ive never made jams/sauces like this before (didn't know it was that easy and only takes around 15-20 mins!) i love how you omitted the sugar...hehe and added cardamon...can imagine how fragrant it must be!

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  42. Apple sauce looks very delicious and nice event too. Thank you for visiting my blog and leaving your lovely comments.

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  43. Homemade applesauce! Wow! It looks awesome! Ill have to give this a try sometime :)

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  44. I love apple desserts! This is a great way to use up some apples.

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