Menu
  • Home
  • Copyright
  • Contact

Feast on the Cheap

Entertaining Recipes for the Budget Gourmet

  • twitter-bird2-square-webtreatsetc-150x150
  • rss-cube-webtreatsetc-150x150
  • facebook-logo-square-webtreatsetc-150x150
  • pinterest-square150
  • 3d-transparent-glass-instagram-icon
  • About
  • Recipe Index
  • Well-Stocked
  • Links
  • Home
  • About Mary Anne and Mariel
  • Copyright
  • Links
  • Recipe Index
  • Well-Stocked
  • Contact

Homemade Applesauce

October 14, 2010 by Mary Anne Rittenhouse 12 Comments

Share this:

  • Tweet
  • Email

Mary Anne here. From the time my children were tiny tots, Halloween and fall festivals were two of our favorite things. Each year, in early October, I chose a crisp, sunny day and trundled my bunch up the highway to our favorite pumpkin patch in North Salem. Running, squealing and tripping amongst the stemmed squashes in their very own field of dreams, each of my children claimed his/her personal pumpkin later to be carved into a “scary” Jack-o-lantern by yours truly.

Across the road from this mecca there was an apple orchard and, once my motley crew stuffed themselves with homemade donuts and cider from pumpkin land, we made the short walk across the street and picked who-knows-how-many bushels of rosy red apples. Exhilarated by our successful quest for fall’s treasures (and I, secretly smug knowing I had thoroughly exhausted my rowdy imps), we drove home with Jack-o-lantern grins etched into our own cheeks.

Within a few short days – after indulging in apple-laden pancakes, pies, crumbles and lunch bags loaded with caramel-dipped apples – I would inevitably run out of ways to use up our bounty! One night after dinner, I decided to try my hand at homemade applesauce. I didn’t use a recipe and just whipped those apples into what is probably one of Mariel’s all-time favorite childhood treats. When I told her I would recreate it for the blog, I swear she let out a virtual e-squeal.

Simple, healthful, no sugar added (unless you really can’t help yourself), this recipe is such an incredible winner. Use any type of apple or a mixed bag for a more “complex” flavor. There are those who swear by Golden Delicious, but I like a combo of Macs, Gala, Fugi, and even a Granny Smith tossed into the brew for extra tartness.

Serve alongside pork chops or roasts, our Potato Latkes, or simply by itself. I give it a dusting of cinnamon just before serving. Happy apple picking to all!

Print This Recipe Print This Recipe

Homemade Applesauce
Makes 10 cups (20 half-cup servings)

Note: The applesauce can be prepared 3 days ahead ahead of time and will keep for about a week, covered and refrigerated.

Ingredients:
3 pounds of any variety or combo of apples, peeled, cored, cut into 1-inch pieces – $2.64
1 cup water – stock
1 Tablespoon fresh lemon juice – stock
3/4 Teaspoon ground cinnamon – stock
a pinch of ground allspice – stock
3 Tablespoons of brown sugar (if you must!) – stock
Grand Total Assuming Well-Stocked Pantry: $2.64
Total Per Serving: $0.13

Directions:
1. Combine the prepared apples with all of the other ingredients in a heavy stockpot. Bring to a boil, stirring occasionally. Reduce the heat to low, and simmer, covered, until the apples are very tender, about 30 minutes.

2. Uncover the apples and continue simmering over a slightly higher flame (medium-low) until about half of the liquid has evaporated, 10 minutes.

3. Remove from the heat and mash the apples with a fork or a potato masher until a chunky consistency. We like ours smooth, so I actually puree it in a food processor armed with a steel blade.

4. Cover and refrigerate, or serve immediately at room temperature.

Share this:

  • Tweet
  • Email

Filed Under: Breakfast & Brunch, Recipe Index, Recipes Under $10, Side Dishes, Super Sundays, Sweets & Treats, Vegetarian Tagged With: apples, autumn, basics, budget, entertaining, fall, food, healthy, kid-friendly, Recipes Under $10, Super Sundays, The Lows, vegetarian

About Mary Anne Rittenhouse

The mother in this mother-daughter duo, Mary Anne is a registered nurse who has also worked for over two decades as a professional caterer

Comments

  1. "Deja Vu" Cook says

    October 14, 2010 at 3:29 pm

    Thank the lord you are reading my mind. Just a few hours ago looked at So Many Apples on my table. Saved by your post and thank you.

    Reply
    • feastonthecheap says

      October 14, 2010 at 4:24 pm

      Great! So glad to help. M&M

      Reply
  2. thecompletecookbook says

    October 15, 2010 at 4:42 am

    What a beautifully written account of years gone by with your kiddies!
    Great apple sauce too!
    🙂 Mandy

    Reply
    • feastonthecheap says

      October 15, 2010 at 7:12 pm

      Thanks, Mandy. I really do miss having little ones. Everything is just so much more exciting through the eyes of children. Hope you’re enjoying your Spring season. It is decidedly cold and blustery here! Cheers. Mary Anne

      Reply
  3. Teri says

    October 15, 2010 at 11:25 am

    We all must have applesauce on the brain. Just made mixed grain hot cereal this am substituting Applesauce for most of the water-yummy!

    Reply
    • feastonthecheap says

      October 15, 2010 at 11:33 am

      YUM. That sounds amazing

      Reply
  4. Mrs. A says

    October 16, 2010 at 9:02 pm

    Mandy must be on my page==she read my mind. I love your intro’s . They add
    “flavor” to your recipes!

    Reply
    • feastonthecheap says

      October 16, 2010 at 9:09 pm

      Thanks! I love writing about my wonderful family as much as I enjoy cooking for them. And so glad you enjoy the extra “flavor” in my recipes. 🙂

      Reply
  5. Mrs. A says

    October 17, 2010 at 11:35 am

    P.S. XXXOOOXXX LOL

    Reply
  6. vetmed says

    October 26, 2010 at 3:49 pm

    The best thing about this is if you have too much to eat you can use it in other recipes adding applelicious goodness in the place of oil. Love it!

    Reply
  7. Dottie Murchie says

    February 10, 2011 at 10:40 am

    I found your blog on yahoo. I think it’s awesome.

    Reply
    • feastonthecheap says

      February 10, 2011 at 2:56 pm

      Thanks for stoppnig by, Dottie! If you ever have any questions, please give us a shout. So happy to e-meet you! Best, M & M

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

bio5

MEET MARY ANNE & MARIEL:

A mother-daughter duo starring a professional caterer and a fledgling foodie.

Subscribe by Email


Enter your email address:

As Seen In

Archives

Categories

Top Posts

  • Tuscan Sausage Soup with Shell Pasta, Spinach & White Beans
  • Mixed Greens with Walnuts and Dried Cranberries
  • Gourmet Pizza with Gruyere, Crispy Prosciutto and Caramelized Onion Puree
  • Mango Strudel
  • Honey and Herb Marinated Sirloin Steak

Pages

  • About Mary Anne and Mariel
  • Contact
  • Copyright
  • Links
  • Recipe Index
  • Well-Stocked

Follow Us

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Pinterest
  • Instagram
  • StumbleUpon
  • RSS Subscription

Latest Posts

Grilled Watermelon with Goat Cheese and Crispy Pancetta

Slow-Roasted Soy-Glazed Beef with Fresh Tomatoes, Onions & Cilantro

Holiday Wishlist for the Design Obsessed

Copyright © 2023 · Feast on The Cheap · Built By VarickDesign

loading Cancel
Post was not sent - check your email addresses!
Email check failed, please try again
Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email.