It’s Thanksgiving week! And that means that a lot of time will be spent in kitchens across the nation this week.

This year, Will & I will be with his family, and I’m so excited to share the holiday with them and learn about all of their Thanksgiving traditions (and recipes!) I decided that since 1. we will be traveling and can’t tote a ton and 2. my mountain apples are needing to be used, I’d make some applesauce to add to the feast. A sweet treat that’s always much better fresh than from a can 🙂

Cinnamon Applesauce

Here’s what you’ll need:

• Apples (7 or 8 Gala, Pink Ladies or Winesaps would be my choice… They’re all naturally sweet, soft, and excellent for cooking)
• 1 cup of water
• 1/2 cup of brown sugar
• 1 tsp Cinnamon (or 5 shakes if you’re really precise like me)

Here’s what you’ll do:

1. Peel & dice the apples into little cubes. The smaller you chop, the less cook time you’ll need.
2. Add your apples, water, brown sugar, & cinnamon to a saucepan.
3. Boil, baby, boil.
4. Once you have your water at a steady boil, turn it all the way down to low, put the lid on, and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes. Be sure that all of your apples are in the water so that they can soak up the yumminess and so they won’t dry out.
5. Remove the lid for about 5 minutes after simmering to allow some of the liquid to evaporate. (When you mash the apples, more liquid will escape, so don’t worry about it getting dry… but DO NOT drain.)
6. Use a potato masher (or a fork does the trick too) and smash up your apples.
7. Ta-da! Once you’ve got the consistency you like (I like it a little chunky) allow your applesauce to cool before refrigerating!

Bonus… it’s delicious hot or cold!

Enjoy this easy family favorite! And if you need some more apple inspiration, check out my Easy Apple Crisp!