# 61 Applesauce

The fall is always the time of year for bringing in the harvest and doing something with it. Unfortunately, I was not able to do all that I wanted to do this year, because I was in over my head in a kitchen remodel at harvest-time. Oh well, maybe I can plan big for next year!! But for this year next up is applesauce!

Applesauce

2 1/2 to 3 1/2 pounds apples per quart
Water
Sugar (optional)- I do not add sugar!

1. Wash apples. Core and quarter. I will be using a strainer so I will cook mine with the peels on, but if you do not have a strainer, peel them as well. I got my Roma strainer here. It is great for canning tomatoes which I will post about soon and also great for making applesauce and salsa. The accessory kit is pretty essential as well for using the strainer for foods other than tomatoes. I use the salsa strainer in the accessory kit for most everything.

 

 2. Cook apples until soft in a large covered saucepot with just enough water to prevent sticking.

 

3. Puree using a food processor or food mill. In my case I used a strainer which is like a food mill. If you are using a food mill, you can possibly get away with not peeling the apples before cooking. I personally do not like peeling apples, so my strainer is a great tool.

 

Above you can see the applesauce coming down the shoot and the skins coming out the tube. Works great!

4. Return applesauce to the saucepot. Add sugar at this time if desired- about 1/4 cup per pound of apples to taste. Bring applesauce to a boil, stirring to prevent sticking. Maintain temperature at a boil while filling jars.

5. Make sure your jars are sterile...you do this by boiling them for 10 minutes.

 Heat lids in a simmering pan of water before using.

 



 6. Ladle hot sauce into hot jars, leaving 1/2 inch headspace. Remove air bubbles. Adjust two-piece caps.

  

 

 

7. Process pints and quarts 20 minutes in a boiling water bath.

 

 

I removed the cover just to take the picture. Process your jars with the canner cover on.

 

And that is how you make homemade applesauce. My kids very much prefer homemade applesauce. The only reason I do not make enough for the entire year is because it is so expensive to make. We have planted quite a few apple trees but they are not fruiting quite yet. So I can't feasibly justify the cost. It's nice to have a few jars on hand, but my family goes through at least 4 jars a month of applesauce. And a jar of "natural" applesauce in the store is under $2.00. So we buy it and save the homemade for a once in a while treat!