FOOD: Homemade Applesauce

I had never tried homemade applesauce until I moved to Pittsburgh and my mother-in-law taught me how to make it. There are just some things we tend to get used to buying from a jar, but the real deal is SO much better and really not that difficult to make. Case in point: applesauce. I will say, peeling all of the apples took some time (and if your MIL is the apple nazi like mine is - catching every little piece of peel that was accidentally left on - it may take a little longer ;) But all in all, the flavors and feeling of accomplishment that come from making your own batch of homemade applesauce is totally worth it.

INGREDIENTS: roughly 20 macintosh apples (or enough to fill a 5 qt. pot to the brim), 2 1/2 + cups water, 3/4 cups sugar, 1 tsp. lemon juice, 1 tsp. cinnamon, 5 qt. pot, masher.

ONE: clean and prepare your apples.
TWO: peel and core your apples.
THREE: slice your apples into small pieces to make them easier to cook.
FOUR: fill the 5 qt. pot with your apple slices and 1 1/2 cups water.
FIVE: cover and bring to a boil on medium heat. Once the water has boiled, uncover and add 1/2 cup water. Stir. Reduce heat to medium and cook on low for 10 minutes. Stir. Add 1/2 cup water and cook for 10 minutes. Stir.
SIX: your apples should now be ready to mash. If not, cook longer covered on medium heat. Mash your apples and add more water if the consistency is too thick. Add 3/4 cup sugar, 1 tsp. lemon juice and 1 tsp. cinnamon.

Let cool and enjoy!

There's nothing like homemade applesauce in the fall! Do you have any favorite fall treats?

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