When life hands you 10 pounds of apples, you make applesauce. Well, they weren't just handed to me, I picked them at an orchard!
Some friends and I went to Wright's Farm last weekend and spent the day at the orchard picking apples, barbecuing, and just enjoying the outdoors. It was our first time going there which is a 2-hour car ride from NYC and we had a great time! I liked that the pick-your-own apples is only $10 a person and that includes a bag for your apples (unlike many orchards which often charge by admission and the apples you picked by weight). After purchasing your $10 bag which fills about 10 pounds of apples, you then drive into the orchard in your own car. There's plenty of space to park and get yourselves settled in if you're grilling or picnicking. Another reason why Wright's Farm is great? You can bring your dog! That's almost unheard of if you have tried going apple picking with your four-legged friend! It was so much fun and I'll definitely go back.
I think making fresh applesauce is almost mandatory after you've gone apple picking (along with pies and turnovers, etc..) I like my applesauce chilled, tart, and spiced! This time, I threw in some grated fresh ginger. Yep. It's definitely not the norm when making applesauce but I went with it anyway. And it turned out to be fantastic!
Oh another thing I threw in that's not so common? Star anise 八角! Just two little guys to make it a little more flavorful!
Nom! Now go eat some apples. That'll keep the doctors away I supposed.
GINGER SPICED APPLESAUCE
Prep time: 10 mins Cook time: 15 mins Total time: 25 mins
You'll need:
- 3 pounds gala apples, cored, peeled, and and cut into eighths
- ½ cup water (or apple juice/ cider if you like)
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1½ tbsp freshly grated ginger
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 1 tsp ground cloves
- 2 whole star anise
- sugar, to taste
Approach:
- Wash, peel, and cut apples into eighths. Place them into a pot.
- Add the rest of the ingredients. Cook on low-medium heat for 15 minutes.
- Gently mash the bigger chucks with a wire potato masher to create a smoother texture of your liking.
Notes:
This applesauce recipe has not been cooked with any added sugar. If you do not like applesauce that's tart, please add sugar tablespoons at a time and adjust to your liking.