Homemade applesauce recipe

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I never think about making homemade applesauce until Hanukkah rolls around. And then, once I do make it, I wonder why I don't do it more often. It's so delicious, and so easy, and so healthy, and did I mention delicious?

I'm giving you an applesauce recipe, but note that I'm not a fussy applesauce maker. I don't measure, and I use whichever apples I can find at a good price. I also love mixing apples and pears, as I did in the batch pictured here. Bartlett pears go down in price when they turn from green to yellow, and that's when they're really ripe and sweet - perfect for cooking down. I don't even add sugar.

What to do with applesauce? Eat it with a spoon from a bowl, that's my number one choice. You can also serve it with potato pancakes (latkes), plop it on top of ice cream, or use it instead of jam in a peanut butter sandwich.

Homemade applesauce (or apple-pear sauce)

• 10-12 apples, peeled and cut into chunks (or 6 apples and 6 pears)
• 2 tsp cinnamon
• a splash of water, just to get things started

Put all ingredients into a large pot. Cover the pot and cook over low heat about 45 minutes, checking now and again to make sure nothing is burning and the pot has a little liquid at the bottom. When the fruit is soft (time will vary depending on the variety you use), use a potato masher to break it up. Simmer uncovered for a few minutes if the sauce seems too watery.