Homemade Applesauce

There are few smells that take me straight back to childhood like the scent of my dad making homemade applesauce. The sweet, warm aroma of simmering apples and cinnamon filled every corner of the house — a scent so vivid it’s still etched in my memory. Even now, it’s one of my favorite things he makes. And these days, I love carrying on the tradition by making it for my own babies.

The best part? It’s so incredibly easy to make that once you try it, you’ll never reach for store-bought applesauce again.

Ingredients

• Apples — any kind, any amount. (Use whatever you have on hand — tart, sweet, or a mix!)

• Water — enough to cover the apples in the pan

• Cinnamon to taste

• Optional spices: nutmeg, ginger, or apple pie seasoning

• Honey or sugar — to taste, if you like a little extra sweetness

Directions

1. Prepare the apples.
   Slice your apples into chunks. You can peel them if you prefer smooth applesauce, or leave the skins on for more texture and nutrients — totally up to you.

2. Cook the apples.
   Place the slices in a sauté pan and pour in enough water to cover them. As the apples start to cook, you may need to add a bit more water to prevent sticking.

3. Add flavor.
   Sprinkle in cinnamon to taste. Feel free to get creative — a pinch of nutmeg, ginger, or even a little apple pie spice blend can make it extra cozy. Add honey or sugar if you want more sweetness.

4. Simmer until soft.
   Cook on low to medium heat until the apples are soft and tender. Your kitchen will smell divine.

5. Mash or blend.
   My dad always liked his applesauce chunky, so he’d mash the apples gently with a fork or potato masher. My girls prefer it smooth, so I toss the cooked apples into a blender or food processor until they reach the perfect silky texture.

A Family Tradition

There’s something special about recipes that connect generations. My dad’s applesauce wasn’t just a treat — it was comfort, warmth, and love simmering on the stove. Now, every time I make it for my girls, I feel that same love filling our home all over again.

So the next time you have a few apples sitting on the counter, give this a try. It’s simple, nostalgic, and guaranteed to make your home smell like pure happiness.