Today is a special day: it’s Mr. How Sweet’s birthday! Happy Birthday Mr. How Sweet!
Many years ago Mr. How Sweet came into the world. If it were up to him, he’d request steak with a side of chicken on the blog today. Or the meal he had on Saturday afternoon — a cheeseburger with a side of orange chicken from Trader Joe’s. Yes, I’m serious. Next time I’ll remember to take a picture.
I couldn’t make this up.
We celebrated his birthday a little this past weekend, and he opened his presents at 5 a.m. this morning. Who says you have to grow up? Sometime this week I’m making him his birthday dinner — filet and sweet potatoes.
I might also make this applesauce as a side, because I ate it all. He didn’t even get to taste it.
I have issues with sharing.
I’d never actually made applesauce before. It always seemed like a bigger project than it needed to be. I’m a little lazy, and I assumed it couldn’t beat the cold, sweetened applesauce I used to eat as a kid — the kind drenched in cinnamon sugar. After all, what good is applesauce without extra sugar on top?
I was wrong. It pains me to admit it, and Mr. How Sweet can attest that “I was wrong” doesn’t come out of my mouth often. According to people with happy marriages, I should say it more. So here it is again:
I was wrong!
This applesauce was not only quick and easy — it took less than 20 minutes — it was also incredibly delicious. I enjoyed it both hot and cold and can’t decide which I prefer.
I left the skins on and tried a chunkier version first, then mashed it more. I prefer it with as few chunks as possible.
If only my thighs agreed…
Quick Cinnamon Maple Applesauce
serves 2–3
2 apples, chopped (I used Honeycrisp)
2 tablespoons water
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
pinch of salt
pinch of nutmeg
1 tablespoon maple syrup
Heat a saucepan over medium heat. Add the water, apples, cinnamon, nutmeg and a pinch of salt. Cover and simmer for about 10 minutes, until the apples are tender. Remove from heat and mash with a fork or potato masher. Stir in the maple syrup and adjust seasoning to taste.
I have an apple obsession. Be prepared. And a little scared. And very hungry.