Vanilla Applesauce

Martha Stewart Living

Ingredients:

  • 14 ripe firm apples (about five pounds), such as Gala, peeled, cored, and quartered
  • 1 cup apple cider, plus more as needed
  • 1/4 cup sugar, plus more as needed
  • 1 large cinnamon stick
  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger, plus more as needed
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg, plus more as needed
  • 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1 vanilla bean, split lengthwise and scraped    

Directions:

Combine all ingredients in a wide, heavy saucepan over medium heat. Cook, covered, stirring occasionally with a wooden spoon and adding more cider as needed to prevent scorching, until apples have broken down, 50 to 60 minutes. Mash any large pieces with the spoon. Add more sugar and spices, as desired.

Remove from heat; discard cinnamon and vanilla pod. Serve warm or at room temperature with rosti potatoes. Makes about 1 1/2 quarts.

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