Step 1

Put everything in a large heavy bottomed pot. Turn heat to high and bring the cider to a boil. Turn heat to low and cover pot. Simmer for about 1 hour, stirring occasionally, until the apples are broken down and you've lost somewhere between 1/3 to 1/2 of the original volume.

Step 2

Remove the cinnamon sticks from the pot and keep reserved. Blend the apple sauce-like mixture with an immersion blender, or let cool a bit and then transfer to a traditional blender, and blend until smooth.

Step 3

Return the mixture to the pot over low heat and add the cinnamon sticks back in. Simmer with the lid propped partially open (leave a wooden spoon in the pot to keep the lid open) and another 3 hours or so, stirring every once and awhile, until you've reached your desired thickness. -OR- place in a baking dish and cook uncovered in the oven at 325 ºF for the same amount of time, stirring every 30 minutes.