Home Made Applesauce

The other day I went apple picking (10 pounds worth!) with the boys, and thought I should use this chilly day to put them to good use. The boys really wanted apple pie, but I couldn't help it but make some applesauce! Something we all can enjoy! The boys had a blast helping me peel the apples with the apple peeling machine grandma gave us. It's from when I was a kid, so it's neat to be using it with my kiddos now! I've been thinking a lot about how I come up with all these creative recipes, never write them down and then can never remember what I put in or what I made. Hence, what is going to follow. I'm going to try to put recipes in my blog, as I make them and enjoy them! Quick reference for me when I need them!

Home Made Applesauce

4 pounds of peeled and cored apples (I used Cortland, but I've heard using a variety of different apples is a good idea too!)
1 lemon- I cut 4 peels from the one lemon to add to the boiling process
               I also juiced the one lemon right into the pot

Put about 1 inch of water in a big pot and bring to a boil
Put all the apples, lemon slices and lemon juice in and simmer for about 15-30 minutes. You'll know when they're done. I kept checking on my apples to make sure they didn't burn, because they weren't too full of water (which some apples release a lot of water). I had to add about an additional 1 1/2 cup of water. I've also read that when you're done boiling the water you can ladle off some of the juice for your own, home made apple juice! Remove the lemon peel slices.

Place the apple mix into a blender and blend until desired consistency.
Place back in kettle and add seasoning as needed. (I pulled out a bit of unseasoned for Joshua as he doesn't need the sugar stuff).

I added:
1 tsp ground cinnamon
a dash of salt
3 tsp sugar

Keep applesauce warm until ready to can/freeze!

This made only 1 pint sized jar to freeze, I kept about 1/2 of one in some tupperware to eat now, and I stored away about 1 pint sized jar's worth for Joshua.

ENJOY!!