Fall Activity: Make Your Own Homemade Applesauce

For those of us who enjoy apple-picking, either by going to a u-pick farm or maybe our own backyard, the time is now upon us!  Pick an afternoon that the entire family can go spend a few hours picking apples together (you won’t regret it).

Then when you return home, the question for everyone is what to do with all the apples?  Want an easy, delicious way to enjoy your apples year-found?  Make your own applesauce!

What You Need:

• 5 pounds apples
• 1 (32 oz.) jar apple juice
• Food mill, if possible
• Large pot (at least 3-quart capacity) with lid
• Large fork, wood spoon or potato masher
• Pint-sized mason jars with lids (optional)

Instructions:

1. If you have a food mill, simply cut the apples in half or in quarters.
2. If you do not have a food mill, core, peel and cut the apples into the appropriate size.
3. Pour about ½ inch of apple juice into a large pot, add the apples, and place over medium heat and cover.
4. When the cooking liquid starts to boil, uncover the pot. Cook the apples for about 30 minutes, stirring and mashing with a large fork or wooden spoon, until apple reach your desired constituency.
5. If you have a food mill, pass the mixture through to get smooth applesauce. If not, simply mash up and enjoy a chunky applesauce.
6. You can store jars of applesauce in the freezer, or preserve in jars according to canning recommendations.

If you have more than you think you want or can consume, share with your neighbors and friends!