Monday, October 25, 2010

Grammy's Maine Apple Sauce

So, another month has gone by and I'm just now updating again! :) It seems that this morning sickness is finally ebbing off (at 12 weeks) and I am super thankful. I know my house will be thankful.

This past weekend we spent at my mom and dad's place in Stella because I had my 1o year high school reunion. It was fun seeing everyone that came and seeing all their children. Also, Friday night we went to the football game. I was really excited we got there in time for the half-time show with the marching band and colorguard. My hubby has teased me relentlessly for years about being in colorguard and finally he got to see it in action. It is quit a production at my old high school and I have to admit I felt a bit of satisfaction when Blake commented "There are more people on that field than I had in my whole high school!" :)

Anyway, the weekend before last my parents went to Maine to visit my Grammy and they came back with lots of fun presents! They gave us pure maple syrup, 3 bags of apples and lots of other little goodies. Isaac got some books, a shirt, pjs, and his most prized possession a "Big Truck with horsies!!!!"

I have been so excited about the Maine apples! I'm gonna have to come up with some more recipes. I started with homemade apple sauce last night. It's actually probably more like a cross between apple sauce and stewed apples. I thought I would share my grammy's recipe with you.

Grammy's Applesauce

12 Apples ( good cooking apple, ex Cortland is what I used and a few Maccoons. I would not recommend a real grainy apple like Macintosh)
1/4 cup white sugar
1/4 cup brown sugar ( Packed if you want it more sweet, otherwise don't pack it)
1 Tbsp Pure Maple Syrup
1/8 tsp nutmeg
1 Tbsp Cinnamon

Start by peeling all the apples. Next, cut in half, cut in half again (so now the apple is in quarters, cut the middle core out) Then cut each piece in half again. You want it to be in chunks instead of slices like apple pie.
Get a big pot and fill it with 1 inch of water. You don't want to overdo the water because then it will be soupy. Yuck! Put all your apples and other ingredients in pot and mix together. Bring to a simmer and then cook it on a low simmer. Cook it slow or you will burn it. Stir occasionally and when apples start to break up you can mash the apples with a potato masher. Mash to the consistency you like. I like bigger chucks so I didn't do it too much. Cook to smell and taste, you may like yours sweeter or with more cinnamon. Serve warm or cold!

This is a great applesauce, but you could also use it like this:
filling for apple turnovers
topping crepes or pancakes
topping on a bowl of oatmeal
topping on ice cream or yogurt

This recipe makes a good amount so feel free to freeze some of it!