Wow, Eight Gallons of Apple Sauce, about 70 jars filled. In total with picking and packing, probably about 16 hours for this project, but deliciousness to be shared among all friends and family. My first time was about 9 hours, and then 4 1/2 hours with one assistant. I'm skipping presents this year, and heading out armed with Apple Sauce for everyone!
Applesauce is an easy project, really! Acquire apples, then wash (soapy water is just fine). Using Norpro's Apple Master, Core, peel and slice. Drop sliced apples into lemon water while the rest are being processed. Cut into small chunks, and cook down into a mash in a heavy bottom pan. This may require more pots and pans, depending on your processing facility. I used a beer brewing pot for the larger mash after the smaller batch was cooked down.
After all your apples are soft and cooked, strain them through the colander and remove final impurities. Return to heat and add nutmeg, cinnamon, and sweetener. You'll get worn out and accustomed to the apples, so ask a friend to help perfect the level of sweetness. Sugar helps the tartness to dispel, while taking your apples to a new level.
With boiling hot lids and jars, carefully ladle the sauce into desired size jars, with head space. Cook covered jars for 10 minutes, and then allow to cool.
