Grpa's Homemade Applesauce

I made this to go with pork chops. It was a big hit with adults and kids alike. The kids ate it without the pork chop. The adults enjoyed it with. Homemade applesauce is so simple to make. This version has a subtle hint of thyme flavor, however it is easily omitted for a traditional applesauce with some ground cinnamon to taste at the end.

• Ready In: 40 mins
• Yields: 3 cups

Ingredients

• 3  cups water
• 2⁄3 cup granulated sugar
• 2  sprigs fresh thyme
• 16  whole black peppercorns
• 6  tablespoons cider vinegar
• 1  lemon, zest of
• 4  medium  firm tart apples (such as Granny Smith)

Directions

1. 1. Dissolve the sugar in the water over low heat in a medium saucepan. Add thyme, peppercorns, vinegar, and lemon zest. Stir and simmer uncovered over low heat for about 10 minutes. Add apples and simmer another 10 minutes until apples are soft, but not mushy.
2. 2. Using a slotted spoon, remove apples to a food processor (or heavy-duty blender), saving the liquid. Pulse apples to your preferred consistency.
3. 3. Boil reserved apple cooking liquid until reduced to 1 cup. Strain liquid, discarding solids, and stir this syrup into the apple puree.
4. My Note: Use a firm, tart apple variety, such as Granny Smith. If you like yours with cinnamon, replace the thyme with 1 cinnamon stick or stir in some ground cinnamon to taste at the end.