Homemade Applesauce

Peel, core and chop the apples into 2-inch chunks. In a medium Dutch oven or large stainless steel saucepan, combine the [apple chunks], water (0.33 cup), maple syrup (2 tbsp) and ground cinnamon (2 tsp). Cover and bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat. Continue simmering, stirring occasionally, until the [apples] are tender and falling apart, about 15 to 20 minutes. Start 15m timer

Remove the pot from the heat. For chunky applesauce, use a potato masher or the back of a sturdy spatula or wooden spoon to break it up to your desired consistency. For smooth applesauce, blend it in your food processor.

Stir in the apple cider vinegar (2 tsp). Adjust to taste as necessary—for sweeter applesauce, stir in more [maple syrup]; for more spice, add more [ground cinnamon]; for more complexity, add another apple cider vinegar (1 tsp).

Serve warm or chilled; let it cool to room temperature before covering leftover [applesauce] and storing it in the fridge. Leftover [applesauce] will keep well in the refrigerator for about 1 week, or for months in the freezer.