Homemade Caramelized Applesauce

By chelyc13

Ingredients

• 6 medium granny smith apples
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 2 tblsp unsalted butter
• 1 teas vanilla extract
• zest of 1 lemon
• juice of 1 lemon

Details

Servings 4

Preparation

Step 1

1. Peel and core the apples. Cut them into 2 inch chunks. Place the apples in a heavy bottomed saucepan. Add the remaining ingredients. The sugar will dissolve when heated.

2. Over medium high heat, bring to a boil. The apples will fall apart and the ingredients will start to melt into a thick apple soup. Cook down over high heat, about 30 to 40 minutes. Do not stir until the water has evaporated and the sugar turns into a brown film, caramelizing on the bottom of the pan. This caramelization is your indication to lower the flame to medium low. now stir and turn over the apples a few times to creast a new crust.

3. each time the bottom of the pan becomes acaramelized, stir the sauce. COntinue to use a spoon (wooden is best) to break up the apples.

4. The applesauce is done when the apples are cooked through and little chunks remain. The sauce will be a deep caramel color. This will take about another 25 to 30 minutes.

5. Remove the cinnamon sticks before serving, or keep them in for a rustic look.