(PLEASE NOTE: I have a NEW more detailed post about this unique method of making applesauce. Check it out.)This method allows you to keep the skins on the apples and results in the richest, creamiest applesauce. It's hard to beat Cortland apples for making applesauce. They have such a great flavor! A combination of apple varieties is also a yummy option. Be sure to use a sweet and flavorful apple so you don’t have to use sugar to sweeten the sauce.
Prep Time20 minutesmins
Cooking Time (varies depending on apple variety)15 minutesmins
Servings: 4cups
Author: All recipes on jenniferskitchen.com are property of jennifer's kitchen and cannot be republished without written permission.
Ingredients
9mediumapples
6 to 10mediumfresh or frozen strawberriesThe amount depends on whether you want your applesauce to have a strong strawberry flavor or just a subtle one.
1/3cupwater or apple juice
Instructions
Wash apples. No need to remove peel!
Place water or juice in a large, heavy bottomed pot and begin heating.
Cut apples off the core into large pieces and place pieces in pan.
Cover and bring to boil over medium high heat. Stir often! Watch closely so that apples don’t scorch. You can add more liquid if you’d like, but the more liquid you add, the less flavor the applesauce will have.
Cook until apples are soft. The amount of time will depend on what kind of apples you have. Cortlands can take as little as 5 minutes, but other varieties can take up to 30 minutes.
Remove lid and allow to cool slightly.
Scoop some of the warm apple mixture into blender jar, filling the jar only one-third to one-half full. (Do not fill more than halfway, as it can be dangerous to blend hot foods if the blender is too full. Be sure to follow the instructions below to avoid burns while blending hot foods.)
Add as many strawberries as you’d like. IMPORTANT NOTE ABOUT BLENDING HOT FOOD: Blending hot food can be dangerous. Be sure to follow these instructions to prevent burns. (Read this post for more info about blending hot liquids.)
Place lid on blender and remove center piece (feeder cap) of blender lid. Place a clean towel over the blender lid. (Removing the center piece of the blender lid allows the steam from the hot applesauce to escape, thus preventing an “explosion” of food out of the top of the blender. And placing a towel over top prevents little splashes of applesauce from flying out and splattering all over your kitchen walls.)Hold lid firmly in place, but be sure steam has a way of escape.Begin at a low speed and gradually increase the speed, blending until very, very smooth. (This may take several minutes unless you have.)The applesauce should be silky smooth and creamy with no visible pieces of skin.
Pour applesauce into a container. Repeat procedure with remaining apples and strawberries. Store in refrigerator.
Notes
For a delicious variation, add 4 or 5 red raspberries along with the strawberries.