Spicy Red Hot Applesauce: A Kick of Nostalgia (Print Version)

Whip up a batch of Red Hot Applesauce, a fiery twist on a classic. This recipe brings a comforting warmth and a little kick, perfect for any season.

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 30 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
Dietary: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

# Ingredients:

→ Orchard Essentials

01 - 6-8 medium apples (like Gala, Fuji, Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and chopped
02 - 1/2 cup water

→ Fiery Flavor Boosters

03 - 1/2 cup Red Hot Cinnamon Candies (about 4 oz)
04 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional, for extra kick)

→ Sweet & Tangy Accents

05 - 1/4 to 1/2 cup granulated sugar (to taste)
06 - 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
07 - Pinch of salt

→ Optional Finishes

08 - Extra ground cinnamon for garnish
09 - Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for serving

# Instructions:

01 - First things first, get those apples ready! Peel them, core them, and then chop them into roughly 1-inch pieces. Don't worry too much about perfection here; they're all going to break down anyway. I usually just use my trusty apple peeler, but honestly, a small paring knife works just fine. This is where I sometimes get a little messy, with apple peels everywhere, but hey, that's real cooking, right?
02 - Toss your chopped apples into a large, heavy-bottomed pot. Add the water, Red Hot Cinnamon Candies, granulated sugar, lemon juice, and that tiny pinch of salt. Give it a good stir to combine everything. Bring it to a boil over medium-high heat, then immediately reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer. This is where the magic starts to happen, and your kitchen will smell amazing!
03 - Let the Red Hot Applesauce mixture cook for about 20-30 minutes, or until the apples are really soft and easily mashable. Give it a stir every now and then to make sure nothing's sticking. You'll see the Red Hots dissolving and turning the apples a beautiful, vibrant pink. It's so cool to watch! If you like extra cinnamon, now's the time to stir in that optional ground cinnamon.
04 - Once the apples are super tender, remove the pot from the heat. Now for the fun part! You can use a potato masher for a chunky Red Hot Applesauce, which is how I usually like it. If you prefer a smoother consistency, an immersion blender works wonders. Just be careful, it's hot! I once splattered hot applesauce all over my counter trying to blend it too fast. Learn from my oops, go slow!
05 - This is crucial! Give your Red Hot Applesauce a taste. Does it need more sugar? More lemon juice for brightness? This is your chance to make it absolutely perfect for your palate. Remember, apples vary, so trust your taste buds here. Don't be shy about adding a little extra of whatever you think it needs. It's your kitchen, your rules!
06 - Let the Red Hot Applesauce cool down a bit before serving. It's delicious warm, but also fantastic chilled. Transfer it to jars or an airtight container. The flavors actually deepen as it sits, so if you can resist, let it hang out for a bit. It’ll be a beautiful reddish-pink hue, smelling like pure cinnamon heaven. Enjoy your homemade Red Hot Applesauce!

# Notes:

01 - Don't overcrowd your pot; it slows down cooking and can make your applesauce uneven.
02 - Always taste and adjust sweetness and tanginess at the end; it makes all the difference.
03 - If you want a deeper red color for your Red Hot Applesauce, add a tiny drop of red food coloring while simmering.
04 - Serve warm with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of extra cinnamon for a special touch.

# Equipment Needed:

01 - Large heavy-bottomed pot
02 - vegetable peeler
03 - knife
04 - cutting board
05 - potato masher or immersion blender
06 - airtight containers for storage

# Nutrition (Per Serving):

Calories: 180
Total Fat: 0.5g
Total Carbohydrate: 45g
Protein: 0.5g

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