Homemade Cranberry Applesauce (refined sugar free)
It still amazes me that a few natural, real, whole food ingredients can come together to make the most delicious creation. I had extra cranberries from Local Roots and some apples that were a bit too mushy to eat on their own. Instead of wasting either ingredient, I combined them to make a sweet and tangy cran-applesauce. Use the ingredient amounts as a guideline…I highly suggest adjusting to taste so that you have the perfect combination of sweet and sour for you!
Enjoy this on its own, with latkes for Hanukkah, with yogurt and nuts, or with some roasted tofu/beans/tempeh. It’s very versatile! You’re going to love it!
Homemade Cranberry Applesauce
Ingredients
8 large apples (choose sweet ones like Honey Crisp, Fuji, Gala)
3 cups fresh cranberries
1/4 cup water
Juice from 2 fresh oranges*
Juice from 1 lemon
3 large cinnamon sticks
1 tsp ground cinnamon
Directions
Wash and cut the apples into small pieces, leaving the skin on for extra fiber.
Add the apples, cranberries, water, orange juice, lemon juice, cinnamon sticks and cinnamon to a large pot. Cook over medium heat for about 15-20 minutes, stirring frequently. Taste as you go to adjust the ratio of ingredients.
Once the apples are soft and berries have started to pop, use a masher, the back of a spoon or an immersion blender to mash the sauce to your desired consistency. (I like to leave chunks of apples).
Remove from heat and store in a glass, airtight container in the refrigerator!
Take a deep breath and enjoy with latkes for Hanukkah, with yogurt and nuts for breakfast, topped on pancakes or toast, or with roasted tofu/tempeh and vegetables.
*After juicing the orange, eat the rest of it! Don’t let all that fiber and flavor go to waste.