Freezer Applesauce

Is there anything that says Fall better than cool weather, the leaves changing and apples? I sure don’t think so. This year one of my goals was to be more sustainable and this was the inspiration for our trip to our local orchard. 

I’ve always loved homemade applesauce, being able to control the texture, flavor, and sweetness with our own homegrown honey. After going to the orchard this year we had an abundance of apples and Freezer applesauce is simple and allows us to enjoy the apples over the next several months. So here’s my take on a simple, yet delicious side.

The Sauce.

Start by washing and coring 7-10 Medium sized apples. I personally like texture in my applesauce, so I don’t like to take the skins off! Add apples to a large covered pan on low. Add a cup of water or apple juice/cider to help the apples soften. I use water because I don’t want mine too sweet and I like to control the flavor more. Then add cinnamon, nutmeg and honey and cook until apples are completely softened.

Then use an immersion blender (any regular blender will work just fine!) to breakdown the apples even further. Depending on how smooth you want your applesauce will change how much you blend. I like to make sure, when I’m using the immersion blender, that I am getting most of the skins to breakdown so there are no large pieces.

The Jars

While the apples are cooking down, it’s a great time to get the jars ready. I sanitize the jars by placing them in a vat of hot water for 5-10 minutes, then let dry completely.

Once the applesauce is done, fill the jars leaving at least an inch at the top to allow for expansion when they go in the freezer. Mason Jars actually have a line at the top of the jar showing you how full to fill them. Once the jars are filled wipe down the rims to remove any remnants that would interfere with the seal and screw on lids. I love to use paint pens to write on the lids. This keeps the “label” nice in the freezer and then easily washes off of so they can be reused! Label and place in freezer until your ready to enjoy!

I like to use a variety of sizes for the jars. Larger jars are great serving for supper or larger family events, while half pint jars for baking or single servings, great for lunches or traveling (plus they keep your lunch cold!). I love grabbing these little applesauces, they make easy, homemade, no waste snacks!

Recipe: Freezer Applesauce 

Prep Time 10-15 Minutes
Cook Time: 20-30 Minutes
Total Time: 1 Hour

Ingredients:
7-15    Medium Apples
1 C     Water
2 TBS   Honey (To Taste)
1 TBS   Cinnamon
1/2 TSP Nutmeg
1 TBS   Brown Sugar 

Directions
1. Core and slice apples. Put in large pan on low heat and add water.

2. Add Honey, Cinnamon, nutmeg, and brown sugar. Continue cooking down until apple are tender.

3. Pull apples off heat and use blender to breakdown to desired consistency.

4. Cover jars in vat of water for 5-10 minutes. Let dry completely.

5. Add applesauce to jars, leaving 1-1.5 inches at top to allow for expansion. 

6. Put jars in freezer 2-3 hours with lids on loosely. Once applesauce has cooled, tighten lids completely label and store.