Doug’s Easy Applesauce: A Simple, Delicious Homemade Treat

Applesauce. It’s a classic comfort food, a versatile side dish, and a healthy snack all rolled into one. While store-bought versions are readily available, nothing quite compares to the taste and satisfaction of homemade applesauce. And the best part? It’s incredibly easy to make! This recipe, affectionately known as “Doug’s Easy Applesauce,” is foolproof, customizable, and guaranteed to become a family favorite.

## Why Make Your Own Applesauce?

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s explore why making your own applesauce is worth the effort (which, trust me, is minimal!).

* **Superior Flavor:** Homemade applesauce boasts a fresher, more vibrant apple flavor than anything you can buy in a jar. You control the ingredients, ensuring the apples’ natural sweetness shines through.
* **No Unnecessary Additives:** Store-bought applesauce often contains added sugar, preservatives, and artificial flavors. When you make it yourself, you know exactly what’s going into your body.
* **Customizable to Your Taste:** This recipe is a blank canvas! You can adjust the sweetness, spice levels, and even the texture to perfectly suit your preferences.
* **Budget-Friendly:** Making applesauce at home is often more economical than buying it pre-made, especially when apples are in season.
* **A Fun and Easy Activity:** Making applesauce is a great way to get kids involved in the kitchen. They can help with washing, peeling, and stirring (under supervision, of course!).
* **Uses Up Extra Apples:** Have a surplus of apples from your garden or a trip to the orchard? Applesauce is the perfect way to use them up before they go bad.

## Doug’s Easy Applesauce Recipe

This recipe is so simple, even the most novice cook can master it. It requires minimal ingredients and equipment, and the results are consistently delicious.

**Yields:** Approximately 4 cups
**Prep time:** 15 minutes
**Cook time:** 25-35 minutes

### Ingredients:

* 6-8 medium apples (about 3 pounds), peeled, cored, and chopped
* 1/2 cup water (or apple cider for extra flavor)
* 1/4 cup granulated sugar (or maple syrup, honey, or other sweetener to taste – optional)
* 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (or other spices like nutmeg, allspice, or cloves – optional)
* 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, but helps prevent browning and brightens the flavor)
* Pinch of salt (enhances the sweetness)

### Equipment:

* Large pot or Dutch oven
* Vegetable peeler
* Apple corer (optional)
* Knife
* Measuring cups and spoons
* Potato masher or immersion blender (optional, for desired texture)

### Instructions:

**1. Prepare the Apples:**

* Wash the apples thoroughly under cold running water.
* Peel the apples using a vegetable peeler. While you can leave the peels on for a rustic applesauce, peeling them results in a smoother texture.
* Core the apples using an apple corer or a knife. Remove any seeds or stems.
* Chop the apples into roughly 1-inch pieces. Uniform size helps ensure even cooking.

**2. Combine Ingredients in the Pot:**

* Place the chopped apples in a large pot or Dutch oven.
* Add the water (or apple cider), sugar (if using), cinnamon (if using), lemon juice (if using), and salt.
* Stir well to combine all the ingredients.

**3. Cook the Applesauce:**

* Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat.
* Once simmering, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and cook for 25-35 minutes, or until the apples are very soft and easily mashed.
* Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and burning. The cooking time will vary depending on the type of apples used and the size of the pieces.

**4. Mash or Blend (Optional):**

* Once the apples are cooked through, remove the pot from the heat.
* For chunky applesauce, use a potato masher to gently mash the apples to your desired consistency.
* For smoother applesauce, use an immersion blender to blend the mixture until smooth. Be careful when blending hot liquids!
* Alternatively, you can transfer the applesauce to a regular blender or food processor, but make sure to vent the lid to prevent pressure buildup.

**5. Taste and Adjust:**

* Taste the applesauce and adjust the seasoning as needed.
* If it’s not sweet enough, add more sugar, maple syrup, or honey.
* If you want more spice, add a pinch more cinnamon, nutmeg, or other spices.
* If it’s too thick, add a little more water or apple cider.

**6. Cool and Serve:**

* Let the applesauce cool slightly before serving.
* Serve warm or cold, as desired.

## Tips and Variations:

* **Choose the Right Apples:** The best apples for applesauce are those that are naturally sweet and have a good balance of tartness. Some popular choices include: Gala, Fuji, Honeycrisp, McIntosh, Golden Delicious, and Cortland. You can also use a combination of different apple varieties for a more complex flavor.
* **Adjust Sweetness to Taste:** The amount of sugar needed will depend on the sweetness of the apples you use. Start with a small amount and add more to taste. You can also use natural sweeteners like maple syrup, honey, or agave nectar.
* **Add Spices:** Experiment with different spices to create your own unique flavor combinations. Nutmeg, allspice, cloves, ginger, and cardamom all pair well with apples.
* **Add a Citrus Zest:** A little lemon or orange zest can add a bright, refreshing flavor to your applesauce.
* **Make It Chunky or Smooth:** The texture of your applesauce is entirely up to you. If you prefer a chunky applesauce, simply mash the apples with a potato masher. For a smoother applesauce, use an immersion blender or regular blender.
* **Add a Splash of Vanilla Extract:** A teaspoon of vanilla extract can add a warm, comforting flavor to your applesauce.
* **Make it Vegan:** Simply use a vegan-friendly sweetener like maple syrup or agave nectar in place of honey.
* **Spiced Cranberry Applesauce:** Add a cup of fresh or frozen cranberries to the pot along with the apples for a festive twist. Reduce the sugar slightly to balance the tartness of the cranberries.
* **Caramel Applesauce:** After cooking, stir in a tablespoon or two of caramel sauce for a decadent treat.
* **Maple Pecan Applesauce:** Add a splash of maple syrup and a handful of chopped pecans after cooking for a nutty, flavorful applesauce.

## Serving Suggestions:

Applesauce is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in many different ways.

* **As a Side Dish:** Serve it alongside pork chops, roasted chicken, or grilled cheese sandwiches.
* **As a Snack:** Enjoy it as a healthy and satisfying snack on its own or with a dollop of yogurt or granola.
* **As a Dessert:** Top it with whipped cream, ice cream, or a sprinkle of cinnamon for a simple and delicious dessert.
* **As an Ingredient:** Use it as a substitute for oil or butter in baking recipes to add moisture and sweetness.
* **For Baby Food:** Homemade applesauce is a healthy and nutritious option for babies and toddlers.

## Storage Instructions:

* **Refrigerator:** Store leftover applesauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5-7 days.
* **Freezer:** Applesauce can also be frozen for longer storage. Allow the applesauce to cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers or bags. Leave some headspace in the containers to allow for expansion. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

## Troubleshooting:

* **Applesauce is too watery:** If your applesauce is too watery, continue to cook it uncovered over low heat until it thickens to your desired consistency.
* **Applesauce is too thick:** If your applesauce is too thick, add a little more water or apple cider to thin it out.
* **Applesauce is burning:** If your applesauce is starting to burn, reduce the heat to low and stir more frequently. You can also add a little more water or apple cider to the pot.
* **Applesauce is not sweet enough:** If your applesauce is not sweet enough, add more sugar, maple syrup, or honey to taste.

## Nutritional Information (approximate):

* Calories: Approximately 80-100 per 1/2 cup serving (depending on sweetness and additions)
* Fiber: Approximately 2-3 grams per 1/2 cup serving
* Sugar: Approximately 15-20 grams per 1/2 cup serving (naturally occurring from the apples and added sweeteners)

## Conclusion:

Doug’s Easy Applesauce is a simple, delicious, and versatile recipe that you’ll find yourself making again and again. It’s a great way to use up extra apples, customize flavors, and enjoy a healthy and comforting treat. So, gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and get ready to enjoy the taste of homemade goodness!

Enjoy!