Cozy Maple Cinnamon Applesauce

A smooth, slow-simmered applesauce with a naturally rich sweetness. Perfectly balanced, it feels elevated yet remains a homemade staple you’ll keep coming back to.

Ingredients:

• 8 Gala apples, peeled, cored, and chopped

• 1/2 cup water

• Fresh juice from 1/2 orange

• 3 cinnamon sticks

• 1/2 cup maple sugar (lightly scooped, not packed)

• 1 tbsp maple syrup

• Pinch of salt

• 1 tbsp butter

• 2 tsp vanilla extract

Directions:

1. Prepare apples: Peel the apples, then cut them into quarters and remove the core (seeds and firm center). Slice into thin strips.

2. Combine ingredients: In a large pot, add the apples, cinnamon sticks, maple sugar, vanilla extract, fresh orange juice, water, a pinch of salt, butter, and maple syrup.

3. Simmer: Cover and cook on low heat for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples are very soft and break apart easily.

4. Blend: Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly. Remove the cinnamon sticks, then blend to your desired consistency. For a smooth applesauce, use a handheld immersion blender until velvety.

NUTRITION (per ~1/2 cup serving, approximate): CALORIES: 110–140 kcal | CARBOHYDRATES: 28–34g | PROTEIN: 0–1g | FAT: 2–3g | SODIUM: 20–40mg | FIBER: 3–5g (from apples) | SUGAR: 22–28g (naturally occurring + maple sugar) | POTASSIUM: 180–250mg (from apples) | ANTIOXIDANTS: present (from apples, cinnamon, and orange)

This recipe makes: 3 cups applesauce (about 6 servings)