As fall starts getting closer, I am thinking about some recipes that take advantage of the beautiful produce that is available this time of year. Although pumpkins pop right into everyones mind when it comes to fall time cooking and baking, apples should be on your mind too.
There are so many delicious types of apples and one way to combine some of your favorites is by making a batch of apple sauce. I love apple sauce and the fact that you can use any kind of apples that you love and season it in such a wide variety of ways. You can make sweet apple sauce, plain old fashioned apple sauce or you can try my warm and spicy spiced apple sauce. It is like a hug in a bowl. Full of cinnamon, cardamom, nutmeg, all spice, cloves and vanilla, it is really special.
Let’s get this started…
Today, I am using four different varieties of apples. My absolute favorite apple is the granny smith. It is so tart and bold and I have always loved their flavor, but apple sauce should be well balanced, so I am also using some super sweet envy apples, a pink lady apple and a few classic red delicious apples. You should have about 9 apples for this recipe, but can use any kind that you have on hand.
In addition to the stars of the show, you will need 1 lemon, 3 tablespoons of maple syrup, 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon of all spice, 1/2 teaspoon of cloves, 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg and 1/4 teaspoon of cardamom.
Start by peeling the apples and slice them into small wedges. Transfer all of the apples into a dutch oven or large pot and add 1/4 cup of water.
Cover the pot and place it over medium heat. Bring the apples and water to a simmer and simmer for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Once the apples begin to soften and fall apart, transfer them into a food processor.
Pulse the softened apples until they reach your desired texture. I like mine mostly smooth with just a few chunks in the mix, so I divide the apples about 70/30 and pulse 70 percent of them until they are smooth and then pulse the rest of them just two or three times only breaking them up a bit.
Transfer them all back into the pot and add the lemon juice, maple syrup, vanilla extract and spices. Mix until everything is fully combined and then taste to make sure it is exactly what you want.
You can serve this apple sauce warm or let it chill in the refrigerator for a few hours before serving. It is fabulous either way! I love this warmly spiced apple sauce with everything from pork chops to pancakes, but I have a special place in my heart for serving it alongside my city chicken.
Once you taste this spiced apple sauce, you will love it! I would love to hear what you decide to serve it with!
Spiced Apple Sauce
Ingredients
- 9 large apples, peeled, sliced
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 3 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon all spice
- 1/2 teaspoon cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon cardamom
Instructions
- Peel and slice all of the apples and place them into a large dutch oven or deep pot
- Add 1/4 cup of water and place over medium heat
- Cover the pot and allow the apples and water to simmer for 25-30 minutes or until the apples begin to soften and fall apart
- Transfer the pot onto a heat proof surface, such as a wooden cutting board
- Transfer the apples into a food processor (in two batches, if necessary)
- Pulse until they reach your desired texture and then return the apples to the pot
- Add 1 tablespoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice along with 3 tablespoons of maple syrup, 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon of all spice, 1/2 teaspoon of cloves, 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg and 1/4 teaspoon of cardamom and mix to combine
- Serve warm or chilled
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator
