Kittencal's Chunky or Smooth Applesauce (Fat Free/Freezable)

You may adjust the amount of sugar and cinnamon to taste, this applesauce freezes well just transfer to 1/2-cup plastic containers and freeze, to defrost just pop into the microwave for 30 seconds --- use for baking, cooking or eating :)

• Ready In: 30 mins
• Serves: 10-12

Ingredients

• 3 1⁄2 lbs apples, peeled, cored and chopped (leave coarsely chopped for chunky applesauce)
• 3⁄4 cup  unsweetened apple juice or 3⁄4 cup water
• 1⁄2-1  cup white sugar (or use white and brown)
• 1  teaspoon cinnamon
• 1⁄2 teaspoon  fresh grated nutmeg
• 1  tablespoon lemon juice

Directions

1. For CHUNKY applesauce; place the coarsely chopped apples and apple juice or water, 1/2 cup sugar, cinnamon and nutmeg into a large saucepan; simmer uncovered over medium-low heat occasionally stirring and pushing down with a potato masher or back of a large spoon while cooking until desired texture is achieved.
2. Cook until the apples are tender but still chunky, about 12-15 minutes, adjusting the sugar amount to taste while cooking.
3. Mix in lemon juice.
4. Cool completely then refrigerate or freeze in containers if desired.
5. For SMOOTH applesauce; cool the apple mixture then place in a blender; puree until smooth.
6. Cool completely then refrigerate or freeze if desired.