Chunky Cinnamon Applesauce

I’m in full-on Fall mode. Earlier this week it was pumpkin cupcakes and now applesauce … I love this time of year!
If you’ve never made homemade applesauce before, you must try it. It is unbelievably easy and it is so much better than store bought. I like my applesauce lightly sweetened and with a chunky texture. This is my basic go-to applesauce recipe. It is simple and only requires a handful of ingredients. It’s ready in less than an hour and your house will smell amazing while it cooks. I like to make this with a variety of different apples. I think it gives the applesauce a lot more flavor. For this batch I used Honeycrisp and Gala apples. You could also add a couple of peeled, chopped pears for an apple-pear sauce. Feel free to modify this recipe to your tastes. This is really just a method.
If you do make this, you have to try it when it is warm. Nothing screams fall like a bowl of warm homemade applesauce on a crisp day.

Chunky Cinnamon Applesauce
Makes 4 cups

7 apples (mixed variety), peeled, cored and chopped
2 tablespoons brown sugar, lightly packed
1 teaspoon cinnamon
pinch of salt

Combine all ingredients in a large pot along with 1 cup of water. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring several times. Reduce the heat to medium low, cover the pot and simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. After 30 minutes, remove the lid and simmer for an additional 15 minutes. Stir occasionally and add a little more water (1/4 – 1/2 cup) if the sauce starts to appear dry. The applesauce is done once the apples are tender and begin falling apart while you’re stirring them. Off the heat, use a whisk or potato masher to break down the apple pieces into a chunky sauce. For a smoother sauce, puree in a blender or food processor. Taste and add a little more cinnamon, if desired.