Step 1

Place the peeled, cored, quartered and chopped apples in a large pot.  Stir in the 1/2 cup of water, lemon juice, sugar (if using), 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and salt. Bring to a boil over high heat. Once simmering, reduce heat to low and cover pot with a tight-fitting lid.  Maintain a low simmer for 30 minutes or until the apples are completely soft and cooked through.

Step 2

Once fully cooked, remove from heat.  For chunky applesauce, mash the apples directly in the pot using a potato masher. For smooth applesauce, add the apples to a food processor or blender and blend until smooth (if using a blender, work in batches and allow time to cool), or use a hand-held immersion blender and blend directly in the pot.

Step 3

This applesauce is delicious served warm or cold.