Autumn Apple Sauce

Apple sauce is generally pretty boring.  It reminds us of little kid.  Or people with dentures.  That's probably because the stuff we buy at the store usually sucks.

Homemade apple sauce is an entirely different monster.  It is flavorful, cinnamony, heart-warming, and really really healthful.  In fact, much more healthful than the pale yellow sauce at the store where they remove the apple skins.  We have no idea why anyone would remove the skins when making apple sauce.  The skins have tons of vitamins, plus they add color, texture, and flavor.

We love Autumn Apple Sauce as a side dish for ribs.  Here's how we make it at Sizzle Grove:

INGREDIENTS:
8 small, crisp apples (washed)
Juice of half a lime, or lemon
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp sugar
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
2 whole cloves
Tiny pinch of earl grey tea leaves (optional)
1 tsp honey

STEPS:
1. Cut apples into quarters, removing cores/seeds/etc.  Throw each piece into a saucepan.

2. Immediately pour lime juice or lemon juice over apples, then turn heat on medium-low.

3. Add all other ingredients except honey.

4. Simmer about 20 minutes, stirring apples around ocassionally, or until apples begin to soften a bit.  Some will be soft, some will be less soft.  This will give it texture.

5. Bring off heat, remove cloves.  Add honey and stir.

6. Using a hand blender, blend in pulses wherever skin is visible.  Don't go nuts blending, it can have some texture, just try to grind up the skins as much as possible.  If there are some bits of it, that's fine - it's rustic.  BE CAREFUL NOT TO SPATTER HOT APPLE SAUCE ON YOURSELF!

7. Serve warm, or refrigerate and serve cooled.


Of course, you could grill the apples instead of simmering them inside!

This sauce won't last as long as store brands loaded with preservatives, but it should keep for a week or two.  Try using it as a marinade for ribs, mixed with a bit of cider vinegar!  Store ribs overnight, remove excess sauce, sprinkle with your favorite zesty dry rub, and barbecue up!