Land of Oz Granny Smith Applesauce

I very recently found out that one of my favorite apple varieties originated from Australia-Granny Smith apples. This is my Yank homage to Granny and her delicious apples, with a little inspiration from the Mott's Company. This version of applesauce is spicy and tangy, and not overly sweet-more like a chutney. Good for an accompaniement to savory dishes.

• Ready In: 20 mins
• Yields: 4 cups

Ingredients

• 2  lbs granny smith apples, peeled, cored, and cut up into 1 1/2-inch chunks
• 1  lime, juice of
• 1  teaspoon lemongrass, puree (the kind in the squeeze bottle)
• 1⁄8-1⁄4 cup honey, to taste (wildflower honey if available)
• 1⁄2 teaspoon mixed spice (English mixed spice, not Middle Eastern mixed spice)
• 1⁄2 cup  apple juice
• 2  tablespoons butter (optional)

Directions

1. Stovetop: Place all ingredients in a large pot and bring to boil. Cover and simmer on low for about 30 minutes or until fruit is soft enough to puree.
2. *Use a hand held immersion blender to puree the apple mixture or puree the apples in batches using an electric blender.
3. Crockpot: Place all ingredients in a crockpot and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or until fruit is soft. Use a hand held immersion blender to puree or puree in batches using a blender.
4. *NOTE: You can choose to puree the apples or leave them semi-chunky.
5. Adjust seasoning. Serve warm or chilled.
6. Freezes well.
7. Yield is estimated.
8. (((I dedicate this recipe to all my Zaar Aussie friends.))).