HOMEMADE APPLESAUCE

HOMEMADE APPLESAUCE INGREDIENTS: 8 large apples, peeled, cored and cut into thick slices 1/2 cup water 2 lemon slices 1/2 cup sugar 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon DIRECTIONS: Combine apples, water and lemon slices in a large saucepan. Simmer, uncovered for 10 minutes or until apples are part sauce and with some chunks of apple left. Watch closely and stir often to prevent burning. Applesauce should be thick; add more water if necessary. Leave sauce chunky or put apples and lemons through a food mill or coarse sieve. Stir in sugar to desired sweetness. Add cinnamon and nutmeg. Serve warm or chilled. Cover and refrigerate leftovers for up to one week. Yield: 5 to 6 cups FREEZING APPLESAUCE: Increase your spices to twice the amount since they lose some flavor during freezing. Refrigerate until chilled and pack cool applesauce into rigid freezer containers to within 1/2-inch from the top and seal. Use a container size suitable for your family's needs. To use - - - just thaw in the refrigerator overnight or in cold water for 3 hours. This can usually be frozen for up to one year.