`
It's harvest time - and apples are at their peak. To celebrate the season, I thought I might share one of my favorite recipes. Just like Grandma makes.... applesauce that's good enough to eat for dessert. It's flavored with Red Hot cinnamon candy - just a few! It's amazing what a few little red candies can do! So yummy!
Pink Cinnamon Applesauce* Recipe by Crazy Daisy8-10 medium apples
1 cup water
*1/2 cup sugar
1/8 cup Red Hot cinnamon candy
*Note - Due the fact that apple size and number may vary, I always add half of the sugar (1/4 cup) first and go from there. Sometimes, half is plenty and sometimes I need the full amount. Same goes for the Red Hots - if you like more cinnamon taste - add more. Wash, peel, and slice apples. I slice them pretty thin so that they cook and mash a little easier. Place them in a 5 qt. saucepan, add water and cook over medium-low heat covered for 20 minutes or until tender. Mash apples with a potato masher. Add sugar and candies. Cook, uncovered, until sugar and candies are dissolved. Stir occasionally. If applesauce hasn't reached desired consistency, simmer over low heat, mashing and stirring occasionally, until sauce is finished. Store in refrigerator.
If you like the idea of this applesauce, but would rather not make it homemade or just don't have time, simply buy a large jar of applesauce, pour it into your saucepan, stir in your candy, and heat until dissolved. Remember, a little of these candies go a very long ways, so start small and add as needed. I won't tell that you cheated if you don't.
And, what's more, it makes a really fun gift. Kind of a different twist on the classic teacher's apple, or homemade Christmas gift. I pour it into a mason jar tied with a ribbon...
What a fabulous gift! Just make sure to tell your friends to keep it refrigerated as it hasn't been properly canned for storing in the pantry.
