spiced apple sauce

It's not just for babies!

3 pounds cooking apples, peeled, cored, and cut into 3/4 inch chunks
1 cup water
1/3 cup brown sugar
3 tablespoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Combine the apples, water, and brown sugar in a heavy large saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat. Cover, and reduce the heat to medium low and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the apples are tender, but not mushy. Remove the cover and increase the heat to medium. Briskly simmer until most of the water evaporates, about 5 minutes. Remove from the heat and add the lemon juice and cinnamon. Cool for 20 minutes and then mash with a fork until a thick and chunky sauce is formed. Serve warm or refrigerate for up to three days and serve chilled. For a smoother sauce, cool the apple mixture until it reaches room temperature. Place in a food processor or blender and process until smooth. Return to the sauce pan and re-warm before serving if desired. Makes about 3 cups of applesauce.