No Sugar Added Applesauce

One summer I had too many apples and not enough refrigerator space. I saw a recipe that called for freezing apples before peeling and cooking them...I was also looking for a great way to make my own NSA Applesauce..so..I combined my ingredients (less the sugar/Splenda) and the freezing apple technique and it produced a keeper of a recipe!! Since I didn't have time to wait to peel the apples, I just left the peels in the applesauce too..saved a LOT of time...and the peels added fiber!! This recipe is 100% ON PLAN for any Six Week Body Makeover readers too!!
If you try it, please feel free to leave comments or suggestions! Thanks!

Quick and EASY No Sugar Added Applesauce

12 McIntosh apples washed thoroughly, cored and quartered (yes, leave the skin ON!)(or any other kind of sweet/slightly tart apples will work too. I always use McIntosh for best results, but a mix of all sorts of apple varieties (Fiji, red delicious, Jonathan, JonaGold, Golden Delicious, Cortland, Stamen, etc. is now my new favorite! Just don't use Granny Smith apples - too hard and too tart) 

1 cup water

1 teaspoon cinnamon (or to taste)

1 ½ tablespoon fresh lemon juice (about the juice from one small lemon) (or about 1/4 teaspoon Tru Lemon powder)

1 teaspoon clear vanilla (with no sodium or corn syrup)

(prepared apples can be bagged and frozen to save prep time in the future)

When ready to cook applesauce, place water and apples (don't peel) in medium saucepan and cook over medium heat until apples are mushy. Remove from heat. Whisk with a fork until apples get to a consistency you like (may be a little chunky) and the peels are free floating. Leave the peels in for extra fiber! They are chewy, but good and add a unique texture! Add remaining ingredients and stir until well blended. Allow to cool. Refrigerate in tightly sealed container. Makes about 4-6 cups. Tastes better the next day and you can freeze this too!!

For a special treat (but not as healthy), add about 5 large marshmallows to the hot/warm applesauce. Allow them to melt slightly, stir carefully, then chill. Yummy!!