Homemade Applesauce with Cranberries

Why do you make your own applesauce a friend asked last fall? The answer is very simple - there is nothing better than homemade applesauce spiced according to my family's taste. Every fall I start making batches of applesauce that I fill into large glass jars and store in the fridge. We eat it with oatmeal for breakfast or with yogurt as a snack. I use only organic fruit and spices as unpeeled apples, cranberries and spices go into one pot.

Use a variety of apples, wash them thoroughly and cut them into big chunks. discard apple cores. Add apples, a handful of fresh or frozen cranberries, 3 tbsp of brown sugar, 2 cinnamon sticks, 4 whole star anise, and 1/4 tsp each of ground cloves and nutmeg to a large pot. Add about 1/2 cup of water.

Cook apples mixture stirring regularly to prevent burning until apples have cooked down and are mushy. If necessary add more water. When soft, remove cinnamon sticks and star anise.

Pour apple mixture into food processor and puree until you have achieved the desired consistency. Let cool, fill into glass jar and store in refrigerator.

Oatmeal, applesauce and pomegranate seeds