Cranberry-Infused Apple Bliss Sauce
Indulge in the delightful flavors of our Cranberry-Infused Apple Bliss Sauce, a homemade treat that beautifully combines the sweetness of McIntosh apples with the tartness of cranberry juice. This vibrant, pink-hued sauce is not only delicious but also showcases a hint of nutmeg and the zesty brightness of fresh lemon juice. The secret to its luscious texture lies in the inclusion of apple peels, which lend thickness to the sauce while you cook. Perfect as a topping for pancakes, a filling in pastries, or simply enjoyed by the spoonful, this applesauce elevates any dish, making it a must-try recipe for apple enthusiasts and dessert lovers alike.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
McIntosh apples
9 (peeled, quartered, and cored; reserve peels from 6)
Cranberry juice cocktail
1 1/2 cups (none)
Sugar
2 tablespoons (none)
Lemon
1/2 (juice only)
Nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon (none)
Instructions
1
Begin by thoroughly washing the McIntosh apples. Peel and set aside the peels from 6 of the apples, while quartering and coring all the apples.
2
In a large saucepan, combine the quartered apples, cranberry juice cocktail, sugar, lemon juice, and nutmeg.
3
Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat and let it simmer. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
4
Allow the mixture to cook for approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the apples are soft and easily mashable.
5
Once done, remove the saucepan from heat and let it cool for a few minutes.
6
Carefully remove and discard the reserved apple peels from the cooled applesauce.
7
Use a masher or fork to achieve your desired consistency—whether you prefer it smooth or a bit chunky. Taste and adjust sweetness if necessary by adding more sugar.
8
Transfer the applesauce to an airtight container and refrigerate until ready to serve.
9
For long-term storage, spoon any extra applesauce into sterilized pint jars, seal, and process in a boiling water bath for 15 minutes.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cranberry-Infused Apple Bliss Sauce?
It is a homemade fruit sauce that combines McIntosh apples with cranberry juice cocktail, sugar, lemon, and nutmeg for a vibrant, pink-hued treat.
Which type of apple is recommended for this recipe?
The recipe specifically calls for McIntosh apples because they provide a great sweetness and texture.
How many apples do I need to make this sauce?
You will need 9 McIntosh apples for this recipe.
Why are apple peels included in the cooking process?
The peels from 6 of the apples are included during cooking to provide natural thickness to the sauce.
What ingredients are needed for the infusion?
The sauce is infused with 1 1/2 cups of cranberry juice cocktail and 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg.
Is this apple sauce recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is entirely plant-based and suitable for a vegetarian diet.
How much sugar is used in this recipe?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of sugar, though you can adjust this to taste.
How long does the sauce need to simmer?
The mixture should simmer for approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour.
What gives the sauce its pink color?
The pink hue comes from the combination of the cranberry juice cocktail and the cooking of the apple peels.
What do I do with the apple peels after cooking?
Once the sauce has cooled slightly, you should carefully remove and discard the reserved apple peels.
How should I prepare the apples before cooking?
Wash, peel, quarter, and core the apples, making sure to set aside the peels from 6 of them.
Can I make this sauce smooth or chunky?
Yes, you can use a masher or fork to reach your preferred consistency, whether it be smooth or chunky.
How should the sauce be stored?
The sauce should be kept in an airtight container and refrigerated until ready to serve.
Can I preserve this sauce for long-term storage?
Yes, you can process the sauce in sterilized pint jars using a boiling water bath for 15 minutes.
What can I serve with Cranberry-Infused Apple Bliss Sauce?
It is perfect as a pancake topping, a pastry filling, or eaten on its own by the spoonful.
Is this sauce suitable for babies?
Yes, it is tagged as a baby food and is a nutritious, soft-textured option for infants.
Does this recipe include any citrus?
Yes, the recipe uses the juice of half a lemon to add zesty brightness.
Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?
While fresh is specified for the best brightness, bottled lemon juice can be used as a substitute.
What spice is used in this sauce?
The recipe uses 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg for a hint of warm spice.
What heat level should I use to cook the sauce?
Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to a simmer.
Is this recipe considered easy to make?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe and involves simple preparation steps.
How do I know when the apples are done cooking?
The apples are ready when they are soft and can be easily mashed with a fork.
Do I need to stir the sauce while it simmers?
Yes, it is recommended to stir occasionally to ensure the mixture cooks evenly.
Can I add more sugar if it is too tart?
Yes, the instructions suggest tasting the sauce after mashing and adjusting the sweetness if necessary.
Is this a seasonal recipe?
It is tagged as a fall recipe, making it perfect for the autumn harvest season.
What kind of container is best for refrigeration?
An airtight container is recommended to keep the sauce fresh in the refrigerator.
Do I need to peel all 9 apples?
Yes, the instructions say to peel and quarter all the apples, but specifically reserve the peels from 6 of them.
Can I use this sauce as a condiment?
Yes, it is versatile enough to be used as a condiment for various dishes.
Can I use a blender for a smoother texture?
While a masher or fork is suggested, you can use a blender if you prefer a very smooth consistency.
How much cranberry juice is in each serving?
The recipe uses 1 1/2 cups of juice for the entire batch; individual serving amounts depend on your serving size.