Since I don’t have enough room to can and store a lot of jars I made a “smaller” batch of applesauce.

My kids LOVE my homemade applesauce–they claim it is better than any store bought applesauce.

On a cold day–some warmed up applesauce is super yummy for their tummies.

I like to use a variety of apples.  I personally think it makes the best applesauce–it is more flavorful than applesauce from one type of apple.  I like to use McIntosh, Gala, Granny Smith, Golden Delicious, & Pink Lady.

I like the tartness of the McIntosh and the softness of these apples–they break down really well when cooked for applesauce.

Gala & Pink Lady Apples–are both tart and sweet but crispy–these apple adds a great layer to the flavors.

Golden Delicious are soft and sweet.

Granny Smith-these apples are tart and crisp.

This combination of flavors makes a wonderful applesauce.

(I am so ready to move onto some land and plant my own apple trees.)

I used about 24 apples

2 Cups of Lemon juice

2-3 Cups of Sugar (depending on the sweetness/tartness of the apples–this is one of those things that I just have to go by the taste).

Cinnamon–optional if you like cinnamon.

I peel, core and chop up the apples.  Place the apples in a stock pot that is filled about 1/4 – 1/3 way up with water.  Add a couple tablesppons of your lemon juice to the water to keep the apples from turning brown.  Let the apples cook for about 30 minutes until they are soft.

DO NOT DISCARD your water.  Use a slotted sppon and scoop out the apples into your blender.  Blend on high till you get an  applesauce consistancy.  Place in a bowl and do the remaining cooked apples.  Add all of the applesauce back into the water mixture.  Add the remaining lemon juice and the sugar and cook down for 30 -60 minutes.  Let the applesauce cool down and then place in the refrigerator to continue thickening. 

(You don’t want to discard all of that apple water because there is a lot of apple goodness in that water PLUS it increases the amount of applesauce  from each batch.)

Take it out of the refrigerator and “can” them so you have yummy applesauce without all those preservatives–at your disposal.