Quick homemade cinnamon applesauce

The amounts listed under each step are for your servings. Numbers written in the step text are for the original 6.

1. Peel, core and cut the apples into ½-inch pieces. Small pieces are what make this fast, so keep them even.

   • 4 apples

2. Put the apples, water and lemon juice in a medium saucepan, cover and bring to a boil over medium-high heat, about 3 minutes.

   • ½ cup water
   • 1 tbsp lemon juice
   Start 3 min timer

3. Lower the heat to medium-low and simmer, covered, stirring once or twice, until the apples are very soft and break apart when pressed with a spoon, 9 to 10 minutes.

   Start 10 min timer

4. Take the pan off the heat and stir in the maple syrup, cinnamon and salt.

   • 2 tbsp maple syrup
   • ¾ tsp ground cinnamon
   • 1 pinch salt

5. Mash with a potato masher for chunky applesauce, or blend with an immersion blender for smooth. If it looks thin, simmer uncovered for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring, until it thickens. Serve warm, or chill.