Lollappleooza Day 1: Ma’s Chunky Applesauce

One week.

Two people.

69 apples. (Hee. 69.)

Let the games begin!

As mentioned last week, today officially kicks off Lollappleooza, CHG’s week-long celebration of autumn’s, uh, reddest fruit. In its honor, I’m starting with one of my all-time favorite recipes: my Ma’s applesauce.

Now, Ma’s not a four-star chef, but she knows her way around a stove. And when it comes to her specialties (applesauce, sweet potato casserole, lasagna, and Christmas cookies), no one dares cross her. Partially because the dishes are hard to top, and partially because she might stab you. (*stares weepily at scar from Snickerdoodle Incident*)

Over the years, Ma’s applesauce has become a Thanksgiving fixture, ranking only below Pa’s stuffing on the Must Eat list. She spices it just right and goes easy on the brown sugar, since she’s fully aware that apples stand fine on their own. (Um, don’t challenge her on this. Again with the stabbing.) Plus, she doesn’t puree it (thank jeebus), just goes to town with the potato masher, leaving us with a chunky, funky-in-a-good-way compliment to Alton Brown’s Roast Turkey.

So, make Ma happy. Next time you're feeling like a quick sauce, a kiddie side, or even a topping for pork or chicken, give it a try. I promise - no stabbing.

Ma’s Chunky Applesauce
Make 3 cups – ½ cup each serving

9 medium MacIntosh or Cortland apples, peeled, cored, and chopped into chunks
2 T water
3 T unpacked brown sugar
Cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice to taste

1) Heat everything in a pot or dutch oven on medium for 30 minutes or until apples are mushy. Stir occasionally.

2) When time is up, mash to desired consistency with potato masher. Serve hot or cold.

Approximate Calories, Fat, and Price Per Serving
90 calories, 0.2 g fat, $0.45

Calculations
9 medium apples: 540 calories, 1.4 g fat, $2.61
2 T water: negligible calories and fat, FREE
3 T unpacked brown sugar: 102 calories, 0 g fat $0.08
Cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice to taste: negligible calories and fat, $0.01
TOTAL: 542 calories, 1.4 g fat, $2.70
PER SERVING (TOTAL/6): 90 calories, 0.2 g fat, $0.45