Applesauce: Operation Homemade
I have a very vivid memory of the taste and texture of a wonderfully chunky, cinnamon-y applesauce that was served every year at the annual chicken dinner fundraiser at my lutheran church as a child. The sticky sweet treat was homemade by a group of, shall we say well seasoned, ladies from the congregation in large batches.
As an adult, every fall I would yearn for the flavors of fall that mingled with childhood memories of youth soccer games and picking out what I wanted to be for Halloween. Now I have new memories of making my own homemade applesauce and perfecting the recipe in the very first & only home I owned completely on my own.
I do can the majority of my applesauce, I love ensuring I have a quart or two (or three) for the holidays. I also enjoy sharing my passion of cooking with friends and family, and boy do they look forward to getting their own jars gifted to them. But let’s be honest, the first batch of the season there is no sense in canning it as between myself, Hubs and the two boys (who have both inherited my love of all things sweet….especially A) it only last a couple of days! I won’t get into the canning process today...perhaps some other time.
I also look forward to the time spent with my mother in the kitchen as it has become a bit of an unofficial tradition that she peels and cans with me each fall. Although homemade applesauce was not a dish she prepared for my brother & I as a child I do chalk up my love of cooking to her. I grew up with her always teaching what she was doing in the kitchen, and I’m thankful that most of it stuck with me.
Hubs & I have discussed planting our own apple trees as we have the space and would welcome the opportunity for E & A to learn through the hands on experience. Not to mention they make awesome climbing trees….and my boys just may be part monkey based on their impressive scaling abilities displayed from a young age.
But for now I buy the majority of my apples from an amazing local orchard; Bergman Orchards. Bergman’s is a must-stop for the tourists and the summer only residents flocking the area for weekends and summers. But as true local, it means more than just checking a box on a summer to do list. It’s where I grew up making a family trip to pick out our pumpkins every October and our family Christmas tree every December. The seasons at Bergman’s define a period of time better than the actual seasons; Strawberry, Sweet Corn, Peaches. Now my little ones enjoy those same special traditions. From farm fresh fruit & veggies to baked goods to the annually anticipated cider & everything in between (including a wonderful greenhouse) Bergman Orchards is a must stop for anyone visiting the Lake Erie Shores & Islands. (Special Insider Tip: Take home a jar of their peach jam. Big E is obsessed!)
Ok, and to the real reason you came to this page…
The Recipe
Chunky Cinnamon Applesauce
Yields: Approx. 4 1/2 Quarts
Cook Time: Approx 1 Hour
Ingredients:
7lbs. Apples, Peeled & Chopped (I prefer 2/3 Ida Red or Paula Red & 1/3 Granny Smith)
1 C. Packed Light Brown Sugar
2 t. Ground Cinnamon
2 T. Vanilla Extract
Place apples in large pot; Top with brown sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla.
Cook over low-med heat, covered for approximately 1 hour stirring occasionally. (Insider Tip: Use a potato masher to help break down apples near end of heat time)
When desired consistency is achieved remove from heat.
Serve warm or cold. Applesauce will last in airtight container stored in refrigerator for approximately 10-14 days.
Download the super cute printable recipe card.
