Grown-Up Applesauce

Yields about 1 quart.

To learn more, read:
Apple Days
by Ruth Lively
from Fine Cooking
Issue 53
Last Edit Date: 6/30/2011 11:19:39 AM

Vanilla bean and a splash of brandy lift this elegant sauce out of the realm of nursery food. Delicious warm or at room temperature, it’s great as a snack on its own, and it makes a nice filling for a blind-baked pastry shell or for crêpes. Spoon leftovers over French toast. I like to make this sauce with Macouns, or a blend of mostly Braeburns with one or two Golden Delicious.

more about:

8 apples, peeled, cored and cut into chunks (roughly about 1 inch each)
3 Tbs. unsalted butter
3 Tbs. water
1/2 vanilla bean, split lengthwise
3 to 4 Tbs. granulated sugar
1 to 2 Tbs. brandy

Put the apples, butter, and water in a heavy saucepan. Tuck the vanilla bean in among the apples, cover the pan, set it over medium heat, and simmer until the apples are completely tender and have cooked to a rough purée, stirring them gently from time to time, 20 to 25 minutes. Add the sugar, stir, and continue cooking uncovered for a few minutes to let the sugar dissolve. Taste the sauce for sweetness; it should be tart-sweet (this is grown-up applesauce, after all), but if you want it sweeter, add more sugar. Stir in the brandy and simmer a few minutes more to cook off a little of the alcohol. Remove from the heat and set aside to cool. I like to leave the vanilla bean in the applesauce to steep; remove it before serving.

Make Ahead Tips

The applesauce can be refrigerated for up to a week.

nutrition information (per serving):
Size : per 1/2 cup serving; Calories (kcal): 130; Fat (g): 4.5; Fat Calories (kcal): 40; Saturated Fat (g): 2.5; Protein (g): 0; Monounsaturated Fat (g): 1.5; Carbohydrates (g): 24; Polyunsaturated Fat (g): 0.5; Sodium (mg): 0; Cholesterol (mg): 10; Fiber (g): 2;