[donotprint]

All of the stress of the day melts away with the smell of apples, cardamom, and cinnamon filling your home. It’s true,  warm and cozy feelings take over. I was a kinder, gentler person while this was bubbling away on the stove. Admittedly, my husband was a bit disappointed when he walked in, he thought I was making some giant streusel covered, buttery, apple crumble thing. He was very pleased when he realized how delicious a simple homemade applesauce is and how many calories he saved when he ate a bowl.

Applesauce is a true lesson in less is more.  In this recipe just a few ingredients come together to create a sweet symphony of flavors.  This reinforces the idea that whole foods and natural flavors are all we need to satisfy sweet cravings. Applesauce should be made with APPLES…not corn syrups, grape juice and refined sugars.

With the cooler weather and the holiday season approaching we all need to embrace the flavors of the season. There is loads of inspriation all around us with falling leaves, bluebird skies and crisp air. Cafes abound with the smell of apples and spices. Seems to me people even smile a bit more this time of year….there is a sense of lightness with chilly, fresh air.

Natural Sweeteners

Is your applesauce still not sweet enough for your tastes?  You can add the following to taste.  You can throw these in during cooking.

• Maple Syrup
• Agave
• Raw Brown Sugar
• Stevia

Some Great Teas

• Republic of Tea
• Stash
• Celestial Seasonings
• Tazo
• Tulsi tea (This company is all Organic)

[/donotprint]

Chai Tea Apple Sauce

Makes about eight 4 oz servings

NOTES:

• If you want to keep more fiber and vitamins leave the apple skins on. I always do, you cannot tell once the sauce is puréed.
• Add more or less water depending on how thick you want your applesauce.
• Adjust steep time and amount of tea bags according to how much tea flavor you want.
• Add sweetness of needed with stevia, honey, pure maple syrup or agave.

INGREDIENTS

• 2 pounds Apples, peeled, cored and cut into chunks (I like a combo of Pink Lady, Granny Smith and Honey Crisp)
• 3-4 Chai Tea bags
• 3/4 cup boiling water
• splash of lemon juice

METHOD

Steep tea bags in boiling water for about 15 minutes. Squeeze out additional flavor from bags and remove. In a medium sauce pan add steeped tea, apples and lemon juice. Bring all to a boil, reduce to a simmer for about a half hour, stir part way through. Take apple sauce off stove and puree in a food processor or blender until desired consistency is achieved.

[print_link]

Variations

• Do you have a favorite tea?  If so you can use any tea infusion, from Earl Grey to Orange Spice. Be creative and let your taste buds set the stage.
• Add some more spices: while your applesauce is on the stove toss in a cinnamon stick or some others. Nutmeg, cardamom, cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, ginger are great. How about a few twists of black pepper?
• After pureeing throw in a handful of golden or regular raisins or currants.  I tossed in a handful of pomegranate seeds. They added a nice pop and look like little gems.
• Top with some toasted nuts or sunflower seeds for a little protein and healthy fat boost.

Applesauce Recipe Links

• Applesauce with Apple Cider Sweet Savory Planet
• Cinnamon Applesauce Three Many Cooks
• Cinnamon Butter and Applesauce Purple Foodie
• Chai Spiced Applesauce MarlaMeridith.com
• Homemade Applesauce Food 4 Tots