Maple Cinnamon Applesauce

Naturally sweetened, rustic homemade applesauce that cooks in under twenty minutes. This chunky applesauce tastes just like apple pie filling—serve it on oatmeal or pancakes for breakfast, as a sweet snack (try adding yogurt and granola), or dessert (with ice cream, perhaps?). I like mine with creamy steel-cut oats and a swirl of homemade pecan butter.

INGREDIENTS

3 Gala apples (or another variety of sweet red apple)

3 Granny Smith or pippin apples

¼ cup plus 2 tablespoons real maple syrup*

1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (or more to taste)

dash of sea salt