Apples for Applesauce at the Farmer’s Market in Quebec City.

Yes, the apple season is over, but at the farmer’s market in Old Quebec, the eager cook can still find a bargain on the season’s seconds at the farmers market.  Look at this bag!  Ok, I have used up two thirds of it in making my own homemade apple sauce.  The cost was only 8$ for the entire bag.  As soon as the apple season starts, these seconds are available for any cook’s desire.  Typically smaller in size and not as nice in color, they still offer the same flavor and crispness of all those firsts.  Here at the hotel, we offer the season’s best and tastiest for all of our guests to snack on at the reception.  At home, I always embark on a cooking and baking frenzy using this nature’s candy.  I do not use a recipe per say for my homemade applesauce, but taste it as I go.  Use this treat as a snack, dessert, and warm chutney with pork……delicious!  Here is how I make it:

Peel and cut about 20 apples (lobos, macintosh, cortland are all good choices.)  Then throw them in a stock pot to simmer.  Add about a half cup of granulated sugar, a pinch of salt, teaspoon of ground cinnamon, half teaspoon of ground nutmeg, a pinch of cloves.  Let cook until apples are soft, and then mash with a potato masher (is that really the name of that kitchen tool?)  Taste, and add any sugar or salt to your liking.  Serve warm or chilled….enjoy!