Making Apple Sauce

Making your own Apple Sauce is fun and easy.  I just did about 50 pounds of apples.  We have a small orchard here where I live and they have pick your own fruit days and you get it FREE!..that's the best kind.  I like that this fruit hasn't been sprayed with anything.  So lets get started..

1:  Dump your apples in the sink and wash them. Fill sink with cool water and add a cup of white vinegar.  I use a small brush to scrub if needed.

2:  Once I get a bowl full of clean apples, I quarter them.  Remove any bad spots and put in another bowl. 

3:  Put quartered apples in a big pot.  Add some water so that they don't stick.  Cook until soft.

4:  Run your cooked apples through a strainer or food mill to remove the peels and seeds.

5:  As you work, put your sauce over into a large stainless steel pot.

6:  When you get the sauce done you can add 1/4 cup of sugar per pound of apples or just sweeten to suit your taste.  I used Yellow Delicious apples and they are just right so I don't add any sugar.

7:  Bring your sauce to a boil, stirring to prevent sticking.  Keep sauce boiling as you fill the jars.

8:  Ladel into jars leaving 1/2 inche headspace.  Remove air bubbles.  Process in a boiling water bath both pints and quarts for 20 minutes.

9:  Remove lid and wait 5 more minutes.  Place jars on counter to cool for 24 hours.  Label and Store.

10:  If you want spiced applesauce you can add a little cinnamon, all spice or nutmeg, whichever you like and boil it stirring constantly for 5 minutes.   

Notes:  If you do not have a strainer or food mill, simply peel, quarter and core your apples.  Cook them with a little water to prevent sticking until soft.  Puree the apples in a food processor.  Return the puree to a pot and continue with step six.