Recipe: Fast And Fresh Applesauce and Variations (using a hand blender)

FAST AND FRESH APPLESAUCE
Source: Cuisinart
Makes 3 cups

One pan, no fuss applesauce, make it as you like it, chunky or smooth.

2 pounds apples (your favorite,
Red Delicious not recommended), peeled,
cored and cut into eighths
1/4 cup water
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

Combine all ingredients in a 2-quart Cuisinart Saucepan. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to low, cover and simmer until apples are fork tender, 12 to 15 minutes.

Remove from heat and let sit 5 minutes, still covered.

Uncover and insert Quick Prep Hand Blender. Process on Low speed using a gentle up-and down motion until desired consistency is reached, 15 to 60 seconds.

VARIATIONS:

CINNAMON APPLESAUCE:
Add a cinnamon stick when cooking the apples. Remove before processing.

CRANBERRY APPLESAUCE:
Substitute cranberry or cranapple juice for the water and add 1/3 to 1/2 cup dried cranberries to the apples before cooking.

Hand Blenders (click here)