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(Photo by Liana Dages)
Cranberry applesauce is my favorite way to make applesauce. It is a beautiful color and tastes wonderful. And since I buy up bags of cranberries where they are in season and very affordable I usually have something on hand in my freezer for applesauce making time.
This week my oldest dd decided we needed to make some applesauce. We have friends who don’t use all the apples on their trees and they generously allow us to pick what we want as well. So we picked a bushel or so and went to work making cranberry and regular applesauce.
Apple cider is not critical to this recipe but it sure tastes good if you can get some in there. And if you use fall apples (and not the early tart ones that are ready in PA in July) you won’t need any sugar or sweetener at all.
The best part of the day? When all 3 of my daughters were working with me in the kitchen making applesauce (and peaches too). We were enjoying each other and enjoying the work. I looked ahead and hope that when they have their own homes someday we can still get together and can each fall.
- 12 cups apples, cut up into quarters (or up to 1 peck of apples)
- 2 cups cranberries (1 bag)
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1.2 cup apple cider (or water)
- Combine all ingredients in a large stock pot or Dutch oven.
- Cook on low to medium heat until apples are soft.
- Remove cinnamon stick and put through food mill to remove skins and seeds.
- Serve and enjoy (or can some for later).
I shared this on Facebook. One of my readers asked how many apples or how many pounds is 12 cups. Can you tell me?
!2 cups is about 24 or more apples or about 1/2 peck of apples. Of course it depends on the size of the apple. Honestly you can use more than this if you want. The amounts are somewhat flexible because it is applesauce and not a baked good. I tend to just fill my cooking pot with the apples and leave enough room for the cranberries. I like to get in as much as possible on an applesauce event. Ihpe that helps.
Thank you for sharing at the Wellness Wednesday link-up… Reminded me to pin your great post! 🙂
Thanks Serafina.
I love homemade applesauce. It is SO easy to do and far tastier and healthier than the processed stuff found in the store. I never thought to add cranberries. Will definitely give it a try next time. Yum!!
You will love the addition. It is tastier and prettier.
Thank you for this great recipe.