Spiced Applesauce

This applesauce is low on sugar but big on flavor. Great option for a mid day snack or as a sweet way to end the day.

Spiced Applesauce

Makes 4-6 servings

Ingredients:

• 3 lb sweet apples (like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala), peeled, cored, and chopped

• 1 cup water

• 1 cinnamon stick (or 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon)

• 1 medium lemon, juiced and zested

• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

• 1 pinch salt

• 1 pinch ground nutmeg

• 1 Tbsp maple syrup or honey (optional, to taste)

Directions:

1. Use naturally sweet apples (Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala), peeled, cored, and chopped — the riper and sweeter the apple, the less you'll need any added sweetener. Mixing 2-3 varieties gives more complex flavor.

2. Add the chopped apples, water, and the cinnamon to a medium saucepan.

3. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, then reduce to low, cover, and cook, stirring occasionally, until the apples are very soft and falling apart.

4. Remove the cinnamon stick. Stir in the lemon, juice and zest, vanilla extract, salt, and ground nutmeg.

5. For chunky applesauce, mash with a potato masher or fork. For smooth applesauce, blend with an immersion blender or in a regular blender until you reach your desired texture.

6. Taste the applesauce. If your apples weren't very sweet, stir in maple syrup or honey 1 Tbsp at a time until it's sweet enough for you.

7. Let cool to room temperature before transferring to jars. Store in the fridge for up to a week, or freeze for up to 3 months.

Looking for Modifications?

• Try swapping the cinnamon for a split vanilla bean or grated fresh ginger.

• Especially if you like chunky applesauce, leave the peels on your apples for some added fiber and texture.