Old Fashioned Granny Smith Applesauce

Instructions

1. Step 1

   Gather the ingredients.

2. Step 2

   In a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan or Dutch oven , combine the apple slices and apple juice or water.

3. Step 3

   Place over medium-high heat and cook uncovered, stirring frequently, until the apples begin to release their juices and the mixture starts to simmer.

4. Step 4

   Add the cloves, reduce the heat, and cover.

5. Step 5

   Simmer, stirring frequently and crushing the apples with a spatula, until the fruit is tender and the mixture is chunky, for roughly 15 to 20 minutes. If you prefer a smoother applesauce, cook it a little longer, and add a 1/4 extra liquid, juice or water.

6. Step 6

   Remove from heat, discard the cloves, and sweeten to taste with cinnamon and sugar.

7. Step 7

   Stir in dried cranberries, if using.

8. Step 8

   Serve warm, or transfer to a covered container and store in the refrigerator. 

9. Step 9

   Enjoy! ORIGINAL VERSION

10. Step 10

    Place the apple peels in a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan or Dutch oven and cover with water.

11. Step 11

    Cook over medium heat until the peels are soft and the water is the color of apple juice, for about 15 to 20 minutes.

12. Step 12

    Working over a bowl, pour the mixture through a fine mesh strainer. Save the liquid in the bowl, and discard the peels and cores.

13. Step 13

    In the original saucepan or Dutch oven, place enough of the "apple liquid" to barely cover the sliced apples.

14. Step 14

    Add the cloves.

15. Step 15

    Cook over medium-high heat, stirring frequently until the apples are tender and the sauce is chunky. For a smoother sauce, add more of the apple liquid or water and cook longer.

16. Step 16

    Discard the cloves, and add cinnamon and sugar to taste.

17. Step 17

    Add dried cranberries, if desired. 

18. Step 18

    Enjoy!