Blushing Applesauce: A Simple & Delicious Recipe with a Rosy Twist

Applesauce is a classic comfort food, a simple pleasure that evokes feelings of warmth and nostalgia. But have you ever tried *blushing* applesauce? This vibrant variation takes the humble applesauce to a whole new level, adding a beautiful rosy hue and a subtle hint of tartness that’s simply irresistible.

This recipe isn’t just about aesthetics; the addition of cranberries or raspberries (the secret behind the “blush”) enhances the flavor profile, creating a delightful balance of sweet and tangy that dances on your taste buds. Whether you’re looking for a healthy snack, a flavorful side dish, or a delightful topping for your favorite desserts, blushing applesauce is a versatile and crowd-pleasing option.

## Why You’ll Love Blushing Applesauce

* **Visually Appealing:** The natural pink color is undeniably attractive, making it a great option for serving to guests or simply making your everyday meals a little more special.
* **Delicious Flavor:** The tartness of the cranberries or raspberries complements the sweetness of the apples perfectly, creating a complex and satisfying flavor.
* **Nutritious:** Applesauce is a good source of fiber and Vitamin C, and the addition of cranberries or raspberries adds even more antioxidants.
* **Easy to Make:** This recipe requires minimal ingredients and is incredibly simple to prepare. Even beginner cooks can master it with ease.
* **Versatile:** Enjoy it on its own, pair it with pork or chicken, use it as a topping for yogurt or oatmeal, or incorporate it into your baking. The possibilities are endless!

## Ingredients You’ll Need

* **Apples:** 4 pounds of apples (a mix of sweet and tart varieties works best – see recommendations below)
* **Cranberries or Raspberries:** 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries *or* 1 cup fresh or frozen raspberries
* **Water or Apple Juice:** 1/2 cup (adjust as needed for desired consistency)
* **Lemon Juice:** 1 tablespoon (to prevent browning and enhance flavor)
* **Sugar or Maple Syrup (Optional):** 1-4 tablespoons, depending on the sweetness of your apples and your personal preference
* **Spices (Optional):** 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg, or a pinch of ground cloves

### Apple Recommendations

Choosing the right apples is crucial for achieving the best flavor and texture in your applesauce. A mix of sweet and tart varieties provides a balanced and complex flavor profile.

* **Sweet Apples:**
* **Gala:** These apples are crisp, juicy, and have a mild, sweet flavor. They break down easily when cooked, making them a good choice for applesauce.
* **Fuji:** Similar to Gala, Fuji apples are sweet and juicy with a slightly more complex flavor.
* **Honeycrisp:** Known for their exceptional crispness and honey-sweet flavor, Honeycrisp apples add a delightful sweetness to applesauce. However, they can be a bit more expensive.
* **Tart Apples:**
* **Granny Smith:** These tart and tangy apples provide a nice counterpoint to the sweetness of other apple varieties. They also hold their shape well during cooking, adding some texture to the applesauce.
* **Braeburn:** Braeburn apples have a complex flavor that is both sweet and tart, with hints of spice. They are a good all-purpose apple for applesauce.
* **Pink Lady:** These apples are crisp, tart, and slightly sweet, with a beautiful pink hue. They add a lovely color and flavor to blushing applesauce.

**Mixing and Matching:**

A great combination is 2 pounds of a sweet apple like Gala or Fuji with 2 pounds of a tart apple like Granny Smith or Braeburn. Experiment with different combinations to find your favorite blend!

## Equipment You’ll Need

* **Large Pot or Dutch Oven:** A heavy-bottomed pot is ideal for even cooking.
* **Peeler:** For peeling the apples (optional, but recommended for a smoother texture).
* **Knife:** For coring and chopping the apples.
* **Measuring Cups and Spoons:** For accurate ingredient measurements.
* **Potato Masher or Immersion Blender (Optional):** For achieving your desired consistency.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

1. **Prepare the Apples:** Wash, peel (optional), core, and chop the apples into roughly 1-inch pieces. Peeling the apples will result in a smoother applesauce, while leaving the peels on will add more fiber and a slightly coarser texture. It’s really a matter of personal preference.
2. **Combine Ingredients:** In a large pot or Dutch oven, combine the chopped apples, cranberries or raspberries, water or apple juice, lemon juice, and any optional sugar or spices.
3. **Cook the Applesauce:** Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the apples are very soft and easily mashed.
4. **Mash or Blend (Optional):** If you prefer a chunkier applesauce, use a potato masher to break down the apples to your desired consistency. For a smoother applesauce, use an immersion blender to puree the mixture until it’s perfectly smooth. Be careful when blending hot liquids!
5. **Taste and Adjust:** Taste the applesauce and adjust the sweetness and spices to your liking. Add more sugar or maple syrup if you prefer a sweeter applesauce, or add a pinch more cinnamon or nutmeg for extra warmth.
6. **Cool and Serve:** Allow the applesauce to cool slightly before serving. It can be served warm or cold. Store any leftover applesauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

## Tips for the Best Blushing Applesauce

* **Don’t Overcook:** Overcooking the applesauce can result in a mushy texture. Cook until the apples are soft but still slightly firm.
* **Use a Heavy-Bottomed Pot:** This will help prevent the applesauce from sticking to the bottom of the pot and burning.
* **Adjust the Liquid:** If the applesauce is too thick, add a little more water or apple juice. If it’s too thin, simmer it uncovered for a few minutes to allow some of the liquid to evaporate.
* **Add a Pinch of Salt:** A small pinch of salt can enhance the sweetness and overall flavor of the applesauce.
* **Experiment with Flavors:** Don’t be afraid to experiment with different spices and flavorings. A little ginger, cardamom, or even a dash of vanilla extract can add a unique twist to your applesauce.
* **Use a Food Mill for Extra Smoothness:** For an exceptionally smooth applesauce, pass the cooked mixture through a food mill. This will remove any remaining skins and seeds, resulting in a silky-smooth texture.
* **Make it Vegan:** This recipe is naturally vegan, but double-check the ingredients of any store-bought apple juice or spices to ensure they are vegan-friendly.

## Variations and Add-Ins

* **Pear Applesauce:** Substitute some of the apples with pears for a sweeter and more delicate flavor.
* **Spiced Applesauce:** Add a blend of warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves for a cozy and comforting flavor.
* **Caramel Applesauce:** Stir in a tablespoon or two of caramel sauce for a decadent treat.
* **Maple Pecan Applesauce:** Add chopped pecans and maple syrup for a nutty and sweet variation.
* **Cinnamon Raisin Applesauce:** Stir in raisins and cinnamon for a classic combination.
* **Gingerbread Applesauce:** Add molasses, ginger, cinnamon, and cloves for a festive and flavorful applesauce.
* **For a deeper red color**, consider adding a small beet, peeled and chopped, along with the other ingredients. This will not only enhance the color but also add a subtle earthy sweetness.

## Serving Suggestions

* **As a Snack:** Enjoy a bowl of blushing applesauce on its own for a healthy and satisfying snack.
* **As a Side Dish:** Serve it alongside pork chops, roasted chicken, or grilled sausages.
* **As a Topping:** Use it as a topping for yogurt, oatmeal, pancakes, or waffles.
* **In Baking:** Incorporate it into muffins, cakes, or breads for added moisture and flavor. It works especially well in spice cakes and gingerbread recipes.
* **Baby Food:** Homemade applesauce is a great first food for babies. Make sure to omit the sugar and spices for babies under one year old.
* **With Cheese:** Serve with a cheese plate. The sweetness of the applesauce pairs well with savory cheeses like cheddar or brie.
* **As part of a dessert:** Use it as a base for a crumble or crisp, or as a component in a layered parfait.

## Storing Leftovers

Store leftover blushing applesauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage. To freeze, transfer the applesauce to freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some room for expansion. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

## Blushing Applesauce Recipe

**Prep time:** 15 minutes
**Cook time:** 25 minutes
**Total time:** 40 minutes

**Yields:** Approximately 6 cups

### Ingredients

* 4 pounds apples (mix of sweet and tart varieties recommended)
* 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries or raspberries
* 1/2 cup water or apple juice
* 1 tablespoon lemon juice
* 1-4 tablespoons sugar or maple syrup (optional, to taste)
* 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
* 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)

### Instructions

1. Wash, peel (optional), core, and chop the apples into roughly 1-inch pieces.
2. In a large pot or Dutch oven, combine the chopped apples, cranberries or raspberries, water or apple juice, lemon juice, and any optional sugar and spices.
3. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the apples are very soft and easily mashed.
4. If you prefer a chunkier applesauce, use a potato masher to break down the apples to your desired consistency. For a smoother applesauce, use an immersion blender to puree the mixture until it’s perfectly smooth. Be careful when blending hot liquids!
5. Taste the applesauce and adjust the sweetness and spices to your liking. Add more sugar or maple syrup if you prefer a sweeter applesauce, or add a pinch more cinnamon or nutmeg for extra warmth.
6. Allow the applesauce to cool slightly before serving. It can be served warm or cold. Store any leftover applesauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Enjoy your homemade blushing applesauce! It’s a delightful treat that’s sure to become a family favorite.