Sometimes I buy fruit and it just… sits there. Life takes over. I go for hikes, I play catch with my daughter, I eat the candy from my stocking, and… before I know it, I just forget to eat them. I do this a lot with apples because they last so long and are so forgiving. Eventually, the time comes when they lose a bit of shine and a few bruises pop up.
If this should happen to you, applesauce is the way to go.
I didn’t realize how easy it would be to make until I did it this week. Trust me, you can do this.
In countries like Liechtenstein applesauce is the go-to side dish for all sorts of meals, like Schnitzel [recipe] and Käsknöpfle (recipe will be up this weekend). The fresh flavor will totally make you forget that you left your apples just …. sitting there… for so … long.
Best part? No fancy equipment required. Just a plain ol’ wooden spoon. That’s love right there.
Here’s the easy, peasy recipe:
Makes 2 cups
Ingredients:
2 lbs apples (I used 5 Pink Lady), peeled, cored & cut into large chunks
1/2 a lemon
1 cinnamon stick
1/2 cup apple juice
Sugar, as needed
Method:
Say hello to the quickest way to Lichtenstein: apples. In less than 40 minutes they’ll be apple sauce. Just peel ‘em and core ‘em. Then toss in a pot with a bit of apple juice (or water), half a lemon and a cinnamon stick (tuck the lemon and cinnamon down into the juices).
Cover and simmer until soft enough to mash with a wooden spoon. About 30-40 minutes (time varies by variety of apple).
While you wait, hang out in a beautiful field, with a fantastic view…. perhaps while listening to the ringing bells.
Triesen, Liechtenstein. Photo by Presse- und Informationsamt, Vaduz.
When done cooking, remove cinnamon stick and lemon half. Mash around with your spoon and add sugar to taste.
That’s it! Serve warm or chilled, but always with a smile.
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I normally eat it as a snack, by itself.
Good call! I updated the poll to include that option… thanks, Megan
I eat mine for breakfast with Greek yogurt on top – delicious!
Great blog Sasha (I only discovered it last week and have been devouring it ever since). Looking forward to more
Welcome, Kate
I’m so glad you found your way to GTA! PS Love the idea of applesauce with yogurt, never heard of that.
I like it on waffles, instead of syrup.
Ohhh now that’s good too (but I’d put it *with* syrup lol)
On waffles! What a good idea!!
I like it as dessert, with meat and pasta AND as a snack.
Those were my answers, too
But mostly with pork!
Pork chops and apple sauce!
Just heard your interview with Rick Steves. Good job. He was a little surprised that we have global food choices here.
Thank you! We have some amazing places, especially the African market I mentioned down on Lewis. Welcome to the Adventure
I just heard you talking to Rick Steves on NPR out of Tulsa (I’m in Bartlesville). I couldn’t wait to get home and pull your site up on the computer. What a great idea you had to eat your way through all the countries!
I have some apples sitting on top of my refrigerator. By this afternoon, they’re going to be applesauce. I’m saving your website to my favorites list and will check it weekly.
That’s fantastic David! Have fun with the recipe and feel free to improvise – and play around (honey instead of sugar, etc). Tomorrow I’ll be posting the noodle recipe that the applesauce is served with. Best wishes and happy cooking!
Nice interview Sasha!! Your global adventure is contagious!!
Heard you with Rick Steves on NPR. Great Job! and a great idea! We have traveled some and lived in a couple of other countries, and now live in rural Oklahoma, so your story really hit home with me. I’ll be checking back to see what’s up.
Yummy
) I made some in the fall… Just wanted to say, awesome picture!!! The one with the juice being poured… Way to go!!!!!