Spiced Applesauce
Prepare as directed, except add 5 inches stick cinnamon and 3/4 tsp. apple pie spice in Step 1. Simmer as directed. Discard stick cinnamon. Substitute 1/3 cup packed brown sugar for the granulated sugar. Stir in enough additional brown sugar to taste (2 to 3 tbsp). Freeze or can as directed.
Very Berry Applesauce
Prepare as directed, except replace 1/2 lb. (2 cups) of the apples with 1/2 lb. (2 cups) fresh or frozen thawed raspberries and/or strawberries and decrease water to 3/4 cups in Step 1. Freeze or can as directed.
Canning directions
Prepare as directed through Step 2. Ladle hot applesauce into hot, sterilized pint canning jars, leaving a 1/2-inch headspace. Wipe jar rims; adjust lids and screw bands. Process filled jars in a boiling-water canner 15 minutes for pints (start timing when water returns to boiling). Remove jars from canner; cool on wire racks.
