In kindergarten, my teacher had us sample slices of Granny Smith, Golden Delicious and Red Delicious apples and note their different qualities. Was the apple sweet, red, crunchy? I have since expanded my apple palate, but it is hard to know what you are missing when you have never tasted a variety of types. Apples are apples, right? Wrong. I used to be satisfied with Red Delicious apples. Today, Red Delicious apples taste like old sponges with tough, inedible skin.
We are incredibly lucky to have a place like Fireside Orchard so close to St. Olaf, supplying us with a variety of fresh, tasty fruit. I think apples taste better when I have to work for them, so I go apple picking every fall. There is something special about pulling fruit right from a tree and eating it in the same place where it was grown. Apple picking is a great way to kick off the fall with friends. And make sure to get some cider and homemade doughnuts while visiting the orchard!
Apples are one of my favorite fruits to cook and bake with because they’re so versatile and varied with many different flavors. Still, finicky ovens and lackluster dorm kitchens make it difficult to do any intense baking. So while I would love to say that I’m always whipping out apple pies, this is sadly not the truth.
Making your own applesauce, on the other hand, is a breeze and tastes far better than anything purchased in the store. Even if you have never touched a stove, you cannot ruin this recipe. Give it a try and enjoy the abundance of apples that fall brings to Minnesota.
Chunky Homemade Applesauce
Peel and slice 4-5 apples. I use Zestar apples from Fireside feel free to eat some of your slices, I always do!.
Cook the apple slices in a covered pot over medium heat. Add water if necessary. The apples should release their juices and soften pretty quickly.
When soft, mash the apples with a fork, and your sauce is done! Add cinnamon and sugar to season as desired, and serve hot or cold, depending on preference.
turchan@stolaf.edu
