Applesauce with Mulling Spices

This is not a conventional applesauce. However, this applesauce made with mulling spices, specifically allspice, cinnamon and star anise.  Okay the last one is just a Spice Chronicles thing. Gett In fact, I tried to make this for some latkes. It was all gone. It is that kind of good! I sometimes add in just a little bit of red pepper flakes.

The spices are mostly fragrant and used whole. They impact a very gentle and nuanced flavor to the applesauce. Since they are pulled out before serving, people often just wonder about the flavor. This sauce can enhance either a sweet or savory dish. Crisp, spicy, sweet and tart to me this is like Hudson Valley Fall in a bowl.

Apples Used for this Applesauce

I use mostly Granny Smith apples and use brown sugar for sweetening. I have also tried using coconut sugar, if you want a natural sweetener.

Cooking the Applesauce

I add very little water to this recipe. It is all about the apples, with the sugar and spice to make things nicer. Cooked until the apples are soft. Not over cooked. This is naturally a matter of personal preference. In fact, I use the back of a wooden spoon to mash the apples to make my applesauce. It is a little rustic that way.  In some ways, the brown sugar, the apples, and the spices are like a mashed serving of Hudson Valley fall in a bowl. As the sauce simmers, the kitchen smells warm and fragrant. Another beautiful apple dessert from my site is this Fall Apple Yogurt Cake.

The red pepper flakes might be just a little controversial. But they do for the applesauce, what salt does for caramel. Creates that magical contrast of flavors, that challenges the palate.

Since the spices in this do get discarded, it might be a good idea to use a spice sack for this recipe. I am used fishing and digging out spices, but just saying it is a good idea for the uninitiated. A zestier pairing of Apples and spices can be found in this minute apple chutney.

How to Enjoy this Apple Sauce

Now in our house, we enjoy this warm by the spoonful. It is great served warm with some ice cream. And makes a perfect side to warm and crisp potato latkes.