Winter Cooking Just Warms Up the House

This time of year old apples are turned to cider and curling up next to the fire becomes an evening staple. Walking outside means embracing the sharp cold and warm drinks make for the perfect nightcap. For me, this is the winter I discovered mulled wine...er I mean cider. Ok, maybe both. 

In keeping with the mulled theme I thought I'd take it to the next level. I couldn't think of a better way to get rid of that bag of apples hanging out in my crisper drawer than to make mulled applesauce.


This is an easy recipe that's perfect for a dinner side. I used this with Isa Chandra's Olive Lentil Burgers and it made a perfect pairing.


Ingredients: 
1 1/2 - 2 lbs apples cored and chopped (skinning is optional)
1/2 C. apple cider
1 cinnamon stick
4-6 cloves
4-6 allspice berries
zest from 1 orange
1/2 C. brown sugar (optional)

Core and chop your apples and put them in a medium sized sauce pot with the apple cider.

 Grind up the cinnamon, cloves, and allspice. You can do this in your spice grinder, small food processor, or mortar and pestle. 

Add spices to apple and cider blend. Simmer for 5-10min until apples are soft.

Using either an immersion blender or food processor blend apple mixture to desired consistency (making sure spices are well ground up). 

 Serve hot, or chill. Oh...and enjoy!