basic applesauce

Summer has come and passed, the innocent can never last. Wake me up when September ends. -Green Day

Apple picking is a ritual in these parts at this time of the year. It marks the end of summer perhaps more notably than the autumnal equinox itself.

And so, in keeping with tradition, I took my 3-year-old daughter and her friend apple picking last week. We came home and made applesauce (recipe below) and then used some of the applesauce to make this simple apple tart and these apple muffins.

Applesauce is super easy to make and perfect for getting the kids involved. If they are old enough to handle a dull knife, have them practice their knife skills since the cutting need not be exact.

Basic Applesauce (adapted from here)

(makes about 790 g of apple sauce)

•  750 g apples, peeled and cored (Peel and core the apples ahead of time without getting the kids involved)
• 2 tbsp. sugar (optional)
• 1/4 tsp cinnamon (optional)
• 2 tsp unsalted butter
• 4-8 tbsp. cold water

1. Roughly dice the apples.
2. In a large saucepan, combine apples with sugar (if using), butter, and 4 tbsp of water. Cook gently over low-medium heat, stirring often, for 10-20 minutes, until the apples are softened to the point where they can be easily crushed with a fork. Add more water if required during the cooking process to keep the apples from scorching.
3. Allow to cool slightly and then purée until smooth in a food processor or using an immersion blender.

The applesauce is now ready to eat or use in a recipe such as this easy apple tart or these apple muffins.