I don't know if this happens to you guys, but the minute it starts to smell like Fall, I get the overwhelming urge to start cooking...everything. And there are just so many delicious things to make with all the Fall produce.
Apple picking is one of my favorite things to do. The kids are starting to get really into it, too. And because they like it, we end up with hundreds of apples, which means I have to scramble to find something to do with all of these tasty little things. This applesauce recipe is no fail. And it's beyond delicious.
Recipe:
8 apples, different varieties
1 cup maple syrup
1/2 cup water
1 teaspoon cinnamon
pinch of nutmeg
Step One: Take the family somewhere picturesque to gather apples. Pick a variety; I usually end up with Cortlands, McIntosh and Macouns.
Step Two: Wash, peel and slice eight apples.
Step Three: Bring to a boil one cup of maple syrup and a half cup of water. Add one teaspoon of cinnamon and some fresh nutmeg. Add apples. Cover and simmer for 25 minutes.
Step Five: Simmer uncovered for another 20 minutes. I angle the lid so that I don't get applesauce splatterings everywhere, including the ceiling ;)
Step Six: Enjoy!
Notes: This recipe is easy to double. And if you find yourself in a similar situation with hundreds of apples, doubling the recipe knocks out the apples pretty quickly.
If you like apple butter (who doesn't!), take the applesauce and put it in a crock pot on low, uncovered, for anywhere between 6 and 12 hours depending on how thick and sweet you want the butter. I generally aim for 8 hours. Serve the apple butter warm with some homemade whipped cream. There are no words....
