Vanilla applesauce

(Vanilla applesauce is from the Oct 2007 issue of Wondertime, an amazing parenting magazine. I've posted the link below. Eat, then subscribe!)

If you find the time to make your own applesauce, this recipe for Vanilla Applesauce is heavenly. I received an apple corer-and-peeler for my birthday last year (yes, it was something that I actually asked for), which has reduced the time I spend making this by at least half. If you have one of those gadgets that clamps onto the counter and cores, thin-slices and peels your apples for you, you could make this with very little effort.

My own modifications: I use far less sugar than the recipe calls for: perhaps 2-3 Tbs. where it calls for 2/3 cup. I made it with the recommended amount of sugar once and found it so sweet that I couldn't finish my bowl (though my children and husband did, happily). Also, I cook the apples over low heat for closer to 30 or 40 minutes for them to be soft enough to mash.

Once you taste this, you won't go back.