red or green?: Spiced Applesauce

I first posted an applesauce recipe over on my Napa Farmhouse 1885 blog and it quickly has become one of the most popular and frequently requested items. There is just something so comforting about homemade apple sauce...the scent alone while bubbling away on the stove is intoxicating. And, since apples are the first item on Food Network's Fall Fest list, I decided to share the recipe with you but with some added spice to make it Red or Green? appropriate.

This easy recipe pairs apples with cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger and a touch of maple syrup. Not too sweet; perfect for savory dishes as well as breakfast or dessert. Tip, make a huge batch and freeze what you can not use in a week. Perfect way to have homemade applesauce whenever you wish! Enjoy.

The full schedule for Fall Fest is as follows:

SEPTEMBER
25: Apples

OCTOBER
2: Cauliflower
9: Pumpkin
16: Roasted Garlic
23: Slow-Cooker-themed
30: Halloween-themed

NOVEMBER
6: Brussels sprouts
13: Carrots
20: Favorite Thanksgiving side

DECEMBER
4: Holiday cookies
11: Holiday-themed beverage
18: Holiday side dish

Spiced Applesauce
(makes 6 cups)

6 large Granny Smith apples, cored and can notto 1 inch wedges
1/4 cup water
1 small cinnamon stick
1 Tsp nutmeg
1 Tsp gingersmall pinch sea salt
2 Tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
2-3 Tbsp maple syrup

Add apples, water, cinnamon stick, spices and salt to medium saucepan. Bring to a boil, cover, reduce heat to medium low and cook for 25 minutes. Add apples to bowl of food processor fitted with the metal blade. Pulse until applesauce is as smooth as you like. I like mine a bit chunky. Stir in lemon juice and 2 Tbsp maple syrup. Taste and add additional tbsp maple syrup if desired.

Serve as is, over ice cream, with pancakes or french toast, as a side dish with pork....lots of options. How will you use?

It is "Apple" week at Food Network's Fall Fest
roundup. Check out the other delicious sounding recipes from my blogger friends. Do you have a favorite apple recipe? Please share in the comments section and/or link to your blog if you have one.