If you want chunky applesauce, use a potato masher to mash the cooked apples. If you prefer smooth apple sauce, run the cooked apples through a food mill or food processor. The key is adding a few strips of lemon peel to the apples while cooking. The lemon heightens the apple flavor. Make sure you use a good cooking apple. Ready to serve as soon as you're done, either hot or refrigerated. Delicious with ice cream or yogurt. Freezes easily, lasts up to one year in freezer.

Prep Time: 15 mins Cook Time: 25 mins 

Total Time: 40 mins Servings: 20 Yield: 5 quarts

Ingredients

3 ½ pounds apples - peeled, cored, and quartered

1 cup water

¼ cup dark brown sugar

¼ cup white sugar, or less to taste

3 tablespoons lemon juice, or more to taste

1 (3 inch) piece cinnamon stick

4 strips lemon zest

½ teaspoon salt

Directions

Stir apples, water, brown sugar, white sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon stick, lemon zest, and salt together in a large pot. Place a cover on the pot and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low and cook until the apples are soft, 20 to 30 minutes. Remove pot from heat. Remove and discard cinnamon stick and lemon zest strips. Mash apples with a potato masher.