Cup of Yum
1. Rinse, peel and chop the apples. While chopping, make sure to remove the seeds and pith from the center of the apples.
2. Place them in a sauce pan or pan.
3. Add water. The water should just about cover the apples.
4. Bring this mixture to a simmer on a low to medium heat. You can add sugar if you prefer. If the apples are very sweet, then you don't need to add sugar. If they are less sweet or not sweet, then add sugar as needed.
5. You can also add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg at this step. Quantities are mentioned in the ingredient list above. Add only one of the flavoring ingredient from the three listed above.
6. Simmer till the apples are softened. Keep stirring occasionally when the apples are getting cooked.
7. If the water dries out and the apples start sticking to the pan, then add more water.
8. Once the mixture becomes warm, you can either mash the apples or puree them in a blender.
9. Mashing gives a slight chunky texture. Blending them will give a smooth texture.
10. The final color of the applesauce depends on the variety of apples used.
11. Pour applesauce in bottles or bowls. Once cooled refrigerate them for about a week or freeze for 1 to 2 months.

Applesauce Uses

Cup of Yum
1. Applesauce makes for a good egg substitute in cakes, sweetbreads, and muffins.
2. Use ¼ cup of unsweetened applesauce for each egg called for in a recipe. You can find our favorite Applesauce Cake here.
3. You can also use applesauce, as an ice cream topping, to make smoothies or milk shakes, to layer in parfaits and pies.
4. You could also serve it as accompaniment to latkes (Jewish potato pancakes),or as a good weaning food for babies.