Homemade Applesauce

It is always great to get away from the store bought kind every once in awhile. From "Cooking a la Heart"- Delicious Heart Healthy Recipes from the Mankato Heart Health Program, 1988.

• Ready In: 1 hr
• Serves: 8
• Yields: 4 cups

Ingredients

• 6 -8  large granny smith apples (3 1/2 pounds)
• 1  lemon, juice and rind of
• 1⁄2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1⁄2 cup sugar, sweeten to taste
• 1⁄2 teaspoon vanilla

Directions

1. Wash and quarter apples.
2. Core and halve the quarters but do not peel.
3. Place apples in heavy pan along with juice and rind of the lemon, cinnamon and sugar.
4. Cover pan and set over moderately low heat.
5. Apples will slowly soften and render their juices.
6. Stir and mash frequently until tender throughout, about 30 minutes.
7. Puree through a vegetable mill or sieve.
8. Return to pan: simmer, stirring for a few minutes, adding more sugar if necessary.
9. The applesauce should be thick enough to hold its shape in spoon.
10. Stir in vanilla.