Homemade Applesauce: Simple, Delicious, and Perfect for Freezing
Are you ready to transform a bushel of apples into a delightful, homemade applesauce thatβs as easy as it is tasty? This recipe is the quintessential staple for your kitchen, perfect for those who appreciate simple, wholesome food. With just two ingredients and a rotary food press, youβll create a luscious applesauce that’s ideal for freezing, ensuring you have this delicious treat at your fingertips year-round. ππ

Ingredients
- 4 pounds of apples (about 2 large bags, unpeeled)
- 2 cups of water
Equipment Needed
- Large, heavy-bottomed pot
- Rotary food press (also known as a food mill)
Instructions
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Prepare the Apples: Begin by placing the unpeeled apples into a large, heavy-bottomed pot. The unpeeled skins will add flavor and color to your applesauce. Pour in 2 cups of water to ensure the apples cook evenly and don’t stick to the bottom of the pot.
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Cook the Apples: Cover the pot and set it over low to medium heat. Allow the apples to simmer gently, stirring occasionally to prevent them from sticking or burning. Your goal is to cook the apples until they are tender and soft, which should take about 20-30 minutes depending on the variety and ripeness of the apples.
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Process the Apples: Once the apples are soft and the mixture is hot, use a rotary food press placed over a large bowl to process the apples. The food press will separate the skins and seeds from the smooth, creamy applesauce. This step is key for achieving a silky, consistent texture. Simply crank the handle and let the press do the work!
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Cool and Store: Your applesauce is now ready to enjoy hot or cold straight from the pot. For freezing, let the applesauce cool to room temperature. Then, transfer it into quart-sized ziplock bags, squeeze out as much air as possible, and seal tightly. Label each bag with the date and store them in your freezer.
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Yield: This recipe yields approximately 4 quarts of applesauce.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: 55.3
- Fat: 0.2 grams
- Saturated Fat: 0 grams
- Cholesterol: 0 milligrams
- Sodium: 1.7 milligrams
- Carbohydrates: 14.7 grams
- Fiber: 2.5 grams
- Sugar: 11.1 grams
- Protein: 0.3 grams
Tips for the Best Applesauce
- Apple Variety: For the best flavor, use a mix of sweet and tart apples. Varieties like Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, and Fuji work particularly well.
- Texture Preference: Adjust the consistency of your applesauce by processing it more or less, depending on whether you prefer a chunky or smooth texture.
- Flavor Additions: Feel free to experiment with adding a touch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a spiced version of applesauce.
Enjoy this straightforward and satisfying recipe that makes the most of apples’ natural sweetness and versatility. Whether youβre serving it as a side dish, a snack, or even a dessert topping, this homemade applesauce is sure to become a cherished part of your culinary repertoire. ππ₯