Grandma's Hug-in-a-Bowl Apple Sauce

Craving proper comfort? This easy apple sauce recipe, like Nan's, uses a secret ingredient for extra sweetness! Perfect with pork or porridge. Give it a go!

Grandma's Hug-in-a-Bowl Apple Sauce Recipe (Elevated!)

Remember those days when your nan made the best homemade apple sauce ever? honestly, this apple sauce recipe brings back all those cozy feels.

I've tweaked it to make it extra special. it's like a warm hug in a bowl, especially when it's cold outside.

This isn't just any apple sauce recipe , you know? it's a classic with a chef's kiss. think warming spices and a sneaky ingredient to boost the sweetness.

This homemade apple sauce recipe takes inspiration from traditional recipes. it is super easy and takes less than an hour.

This recipe makes about 4 servings and it’s just perfect!

Why You'll Love This Homemade Applesauce Recipe

The best part? apples are good for you! they’re packed with fiber and antioxidants. plus, this apple sauce recipe is amazing with everything.

Serve it with pork chops or even stir it into your morning oats. it's proper versatile, innit?

Honestly, this apple sauce recipe isn't just food; it’s an experience. my secret is the blend of apples. using different varieties makes it taste incredible.

This is one of those apple sauce recipes that people ask you to make again and again.

What Makes This Easy Homemade Applesauce Special?

Okay, so what makes this homemade apple sauce so darn good? the secret’s in the butter. yeah, you heard right.

A knob of butter adds richness and makes it velvety smooth. and, of course, it is totally apple recipes easy .

Just try it! i swear that you will love this apple sauce recipe !.

Alright, lets get into what makes the best homemade applesauce . trust me, it's all about the ingredients and having the right kit! it is easy homemade applesauce once you get the hang of it.

Ingredients & Equipment

Right, let's dive into the nitty-gritty. This apple sauce recipe is dead simple.

Main Ingredients

Here's what you'll need for this Homemade Applesauce Recipe :

• 2 lbs (900g) mixed apples (Honeycrisp, Gala, Granny Smith are great).
• 1/2 cup (120ml) water.
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) lemon juice.
• 2-4 tablespoons (30-60ml) maple syrup.
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon.
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg.
• Pinch of ground cloves (optional).
• 1 tablespoon (15ml) unsalted butter.

The quality of your apples makes a huge difference. go for firm, fragrant ones. honestly, if they smell amazing, your apple sauce recipes will too.

Check for bruises – you don't want any surprises.

Seasoning Notes

Spices? Crucial. Cinnamon and nutmeg are a must. The cloves? Optional, but give it a real warm hug. If you are looking for apple recipes easy to tweak you can try this.

• Cinnamon + Nutmeg = Classic comfort.
• Vanilla extract can add a bit of je ne sais quoi
• Don’t have maple syrup? Brown sugar works a treat.

Equipment Needed

You really don't need much gear, I promise. Here are the basic equipment for the homemade apple sauce :

• Large saucepan.
• Potato masher (or immersion blender).
• Measuring cups and spoons.
• Peeler and corer.

Don't have a potato masher? a fork works in a pinch, though it will take some elbow grease to make your homemade apple sauce nice and smooth.

If you dont have lemon, you can use lime, it will give a interesting twist to your applesauce recipes .

Alright, let's get stuck into this apple sauce recipe then! it's a classic, right? but we're gonna elevate it a bit.

This is my "grandma's hug-in-a-bowl apple sauce (elevated!)". it's like being a kid again but, like, better .

Prep Like a Pro: Your Mise en Place is Key

First, essential mise en place . honestly, prepping is half the battle, innit? you don't want to be scrambling around for nutmeg while your apples are burning.

We're talking 2 lbs (900g) mixed apples. honeycrisp, gala, granny smith – a proper mix! peel 'em, core 'em, chop 'em.

1/2 cup (120ml) water. 2 tablespoons (30ml) lemon juice. 2-4 tablespoons (30-60ml) maple syrup. 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon. 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg.

Pinch of cloves. oh, and the secret weapon: 1 tablespoon (15ml) butter.

Time-saving tip? peel and chop the apples while the kettle boils for your cuppa. multitasking, yeah? oh, and safety first! sharp knives are no joke.

Keep your fingers out of the way, yeah?

From Chopped to Charmed: Step-by-Step Easy Homemade Applesauce

Right, here's the easy bit:

1. Prep the Apples: Peel, core, and chop the apples. Roughly equal size, mind.
2. Combine Ingredients: Bung the apples, water, lemon juice, maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves (if you're feeling fancy) into your saucepan.
3. Simmer, Don't Boil: Bring it to a simmer. Then, turn the heat down low, cover it, and leave it for 20- 25 minutes .
4. Mash it Up: Get your potato masher and give it a good old mash. If you're posh, use an immersion blender.
5. Butter Time: Stir in that butter! Make it all melty and delicious.
6. Taste Test: Give it a taste! Need more maple syrup? Go for it. More spice? Do your thing.
7. Cool and Serve: Let it cool down a bit before you tuck in.

You're looking for the apples to be super soft. like, fall-apart soft. if they're still a bit firm after 25 minutes , give them another 5 minutes .

Aiming for a cooked temperature of 200 degrees f .

Pro Tips That'll Make You a Legend

My secret? brown butter first for extra nutty flavour. and avoid overcooking it. mushy homemade apple sauce is no good.

The spices? freshly grated nutmeg makes a huge difference. homemade applesauce recipes are a dime a dozen, but that extra care elevates yours.

Apple Recipes Easy are great because they are versatile. The Applesauce Recipe is no different.

You can make this a day ahead and keep it in the fridge. honestly, it tastes even better the next day.

So, there you have it. the applesauce recipe , re-imagined. a proper hug-in-a-bowl. trust me, this isn’t just applesauce recipes or your average homemade applesauce .

Recipe Notes: Grandma's Hug-in-a-Bowl Elevated!

Right then, before you get cracking on this apple sauce recipe , let's have a quick chinwag about a few things that'll make your life easier and your homemade apple sauce even better.

Honestly, it's the little things, innit?

Serving Suggestions: Plating Like a Pro

Fancy having a go at making your presentation look posh? a simple trick is to serve the homemade applesauce in cute little ramekins.

Or dollop it next to a perfectly roasted pork chop. it also works great with vanilla ice cream. as for drinks, you could try a chilled glass of cider.

Lovely!

Storage Tips: Keep it Fresh, Keep it Safe

Got leftovers? no worries, just bung them in the fridge. it'll keep in an airtight container for up to four days.

Fancy making a big batch of easy homemade applesauce and freezing it? go for it! let it cool completely first, then portion it out into freezer-safe bags.

It’ll be fine for about three months. to reheat, just thaw it in the fridge overnight. then, gently warm it on the hob or in the microwave.

Be sure to bring it up to 165° f ( 74° c)

Variations: Putting Your Own Spin On It

Want to keep it healthy? you can totally skip the maple syrup for a no sugar added version of this homemade apple sauce .

Use very sweet apples! need it vegan? easy peasy! just swap out the butter for a tablespoon of coconut oil.

Sorted.

Nutrition Basics: Goodness in Every Spoonful

So, you are wondering is applesauce recipe is healthy? well, it's mostly fruit, so it's got some good stuff in it! packed with fiber from the apples, which is good for your gut.

Plus, you're getting some vitamin c. this homemade applesauce recipe is a much better choice than shop-bought stuff, because you control the sugar.

That makes it apple recipes easy

Right, that's your lot! get stuck in. remember, there are so many applesauce recipes to try! now you have an apple sauce recipe for the ages.

Don't be afraid to experiment with different varieties for apple sauce recipes . the goal is to create great homemade applesauce recipes

Now, go forth and make some proper delicious homemade applesauce ! i'm confident that you will create great homemade applesauce and apple sauce recipes .

You'll be amazed how easy and delicious your homemade applesauce recipes are. it's a hug in a bowl, i tell you!

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of apples are best for this apple sauce recipe? Can I mix them?

Blimey, that's a good question! Mixing apple varieties is actually the secret to a truly cracking apple sauce. Try using a combination of sweet apples like Honeycrisp or Gala with tart apples like Granny Smith for a balanced flavour. It's like a good cuppa – you need a bit of everything!

My apple sauce recipe turned out too watery. How can I fix it?

Crikey, nobody wants a watery apple sauce! There are a couple of things you can try. First, simmer it for a bit longer, uncovered, to allow some of the excess liquid to evaporate. You can also add a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with a little cold water to thicken it up. Just like rescuing a soggy bottom on Bake Off!

How long does homemade apple sauce last in the fridge, and can I freeze it?

Homemade apple sauce will typically last for about 5-7 days in the refrigerator, stored in an airtight container. Freezing is also a great option! Let it cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving a little space for expansion. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Think of it as putting it in suspended animation!

Is this apple sauce recipe healthy? What's the nutritional value?

Well, it's apples, innit? This apple sauce is certainly a healthier alternative to processed versions, especially when you control the amount of sweetener. Apples are a good source of fibre and vitamins. As a rough guide, one serving (about 1/2 cup) contains approximately 120 calories, less than 1g of protein, 2g of fat, 25g of carbohydrates, 18g of sugar, and 3g of fibre. Remember, it's an estimate; exact values depend on your ingredients.

Can I make this apple sauce recipe without any added sugar?

Absolutely, you can! Just omit the maple syrup (or brown sugar). Opt for naturally sweet apple varieties like Fuji or Gala to compensate. Remember to taste as you go – the sweetness of the apples will vary. You might find you don't need any extra sweetener at all. You're basically getting a free pass from the sugar tax!

I don't have lemon juice. What can I use instead in this apple sauce recipe?

No lemon juice? No worries, mate! A teaspoon of apple cider vinegar works as a great substitute. The acidity helps to brighten the flavours and prevent the apples from browning, just like the lemon juice. It's a bit like using a cheeky shortcut – nobody will know the difference!

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