Homemade Applesauce with Pumpkin Pie Spice

Apples, carrot sticks, popcorn, nuts…these are some of my favorite snacks. And, they are all on the ‘not recommended’ list now that I have braces on my teeth. Still wanting to take advantage of apple season, I made unsweetened applesauce on my stovetop using this basic recipe. I used pumpkin pie spice because everything is better with that spice combo this time of year, and I left the peels on all of the apples, greatly reducing the prep time, and keeping all of the good vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants.

This recipe is fantastic warm from the pot, and will make your house smell great while it’s simmering. Before you get started, check out this guide to picking sweet apples that don’t require any added sweeteners.

Homemade Applesauce with Pumpkin Pie Spice - This recipe is fantastic warm from the pot, and will make your house smell great while it’s simmering.

Ingredients

• 3 pounds apples, cored and cut into 1-inch pieces

• 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice, plus more for sprinkling

• 1 1/2 cups water

• 2 lemon slices, seeds removed

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Directions

Combine all ingredients in a pot, and bring to a boil over high heat.

Cover, reduce heat, and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring frequently, until apples are soft.

Remove lemons.

Carefully transfer to a food processor or a blender and pulse until you reach your desired consistency. Using a dishtowel over the top of a blender is a good idea when using hot ingredients.

Delicious at any temperature, and extra special with a little sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice on top.

Do you have any foods that you used to buy at the store but you now make at home?