Homemade Spiced Applesauce
This delightful homemade spiced applesauce is a classic recipe perfect for canning. Inspired by the Ball Blue Book, this version allows for customization with warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice, making it perfect for both immediate enjoyment and preservation. Whether you're using fresh apples from your orchard or the local market, this recipe yields one quart of velvety smooth applesauce that’s perfect for serving alongside pork dishes, as a snack, or even as a topping for pancakes. With optional sugar and spices to suit your taste, you can make this applesauce uniquely yours.
1
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
apples
3 lbs (peeled, cored, and quartered)
water
as needed (to prevent sticking while cooking)
sugar
to taste (optional)
cinnamon
to taste (added during the last 5 minutes)
nutmeg
to taste (added during the last 5 minutes)
allspice
to taste (added during the last 5 minutes)
Instructions
1
Begin by peeling, coring, and quartering your apples.
2
Place the prepared apples in a large saucepot. You will need approximately 3 to 3-1/2 pounds of apples to yield one quart of applesauce.
3
Add just enough water to the pot to ensure the apples do not stick while cooking.
4
Cook the apples over medium heat until they are soft, stirring occasionally.
5
Once softened, puree the apples using a food processor or a food mill until you achieve a smooth consistency.
6
Return the pureed applesauce to the pan and bring it to a boil over medium heat.
7
Taste your applesauce and determine if sugar is needed based on the sweetness of the apples. Add sugar to your desired level of sweetness.
8
In the last 5 minutes of cooking, feel free to add cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice to enhance the flavor.
9
Keep the applesauce boiling, then carefully ladle the hot mixture into pre-warmed jars, leaving a 1/2 inch headspace.
10
Remove any air bubbles from the jars and adjust the lids tightly.
11
Process the jars in a boiling water canner for 20 minutes to ensure proper preservation.
12
For a chunkier style applesauce, consider pureeing only half of the apples and crushing the rest with a potato masher before mixing together.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Homemade Spiced Applesauce?
Homemade Spiced Applesauce is a classic, customizable recipe for smooth or chunky applesauce flavored with cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice, suitable for canning and preservation.
How many apples do I need to make one quart of applesauce?
You will need approximately 3 to 3-1/2 pounds of apples to yield one quart of applesauce.
How should the apples be prepared before cooking?
Apples should be peeled, cored, and quartered before being placed in the saucepot.
Do I need to add water when cooking the apples?
Yes, add just enough water to the pot to ensure the apples do not stick while they are cooking.
What heat setting should I use to cook the apples?
The apples should be cooked over medium heat until they are soft, stirring them occasionally.
How do I achieve a smooth consistency for the applesauce?
Once the apples are softened, puree them using a food processor or a food mill until smooth.
Can I make a chunkier style applesauce?
Yes, for a chunkier style, puree only half of the apples and crush the rest with a potato masher before mixing them back together.
When should I add sugar to the applesauce?
After pureeing, return the sauce to a boil and taste it. Add sugar to your desired level of sweetness based on the natural sweetness of the apples.
Is sugar required for this recipe?
No, sugar is optional and should be added according to your personal taste preference.
What spices are used in this recipe?
This recipe uses cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice to create a warm, spiced flavor profile.
When is the best time to add the spices?
Add the cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice in the last 5 minutes of cooking to enhance the flavor.
How much headspace should be left in the canning jars?
You should leave a 1/2 inch headspace when ladling the hot applesauce into the jars.
Should the canning jars be pre-warmed?
Yes, carefully ladle the hot mixture into pre-warmed jars to prevent them from cracking.
How long do the jars need to be processed in a canner?
Process the jars in a boiling water canner for 20 minutes to ensure proper preservation.
What should I do after filling the jars but before sealing them?
Remove any air bubbles from the jars and adjust the lids tightly before processing.
Is this recipe based on a specific canning guide?
This recipe is inspired by the Ball Blue Book, which is a standard reference for safe canning practices.
What are some serving suggestions for spiced applesauce?
It is perfect for serving alongside pork dishes, as a snack, or as a topping for pancakes.
Can I use fresh apples from a local market?
Absolutely; fresh apples from an orchard or a local market work beautifully for this recipe.
Does the recipe require a food processor?
You can use either a food processor or a food mill to puree the softened apples.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
The recipe contains 6 ingredients: apples, water, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice.
What type of category does this recipe fall under?
While categorized generally, its tags include dessert, canning, and comfort food.
What is the recommended serving size?
The specific serving size is not defined, but the recipe yield is one quart.
Can I customize the spice levels?
Yes, the spices are added 'to taste,' allowing you to make the applesauce uniquely yours.
What is the primary preservation method for this recipe?
The preservation method used is a boiling water canner.
How long should the spices be cooked?
The spices should be incorporated and cooked for the final 5 minutes of the boiling process.
Is it necessary to stir the apples while they cook?
Yes, you should stir the apples occasionally to ensure they cook evenly and do not stick.
What should I do after pureeing the apples?
Return the pureed sauce to the pan and bring it back to a boil over medium heat.
Is this a seasonal recipe?
Yes, it is often considered a fall recipe because it uses fresh apples and warm spices.
How much applesauce does 3 pounds of apples make?
Approximately 3 to 3-1/2 pounds of apples will result in 1 quart of finished applesauce.
What makes this applesauce 'velvety smooth'?
The smooth consistency is achieved by pureeing the softened apples through a food processor or food mill.