As the crisp air of fall descends, orchards are brimming with apples of all shapes and sizes. It's a season of abundance, but it can also be a challenge to make the most of this harvest. One of the best ways to ensure that not a single apple goes to waste is by canning applesauce. With a simple recipe that requires only 3 - 4 ingredients, you can enjoy the taste of fall apples throughout the year.

First, let's talk about the ingredients. The core of any applesauce recipe is, of course, apples. You can use a variety of apples, such as Gala, Fuji, or McIntosh. Each type of apple brings its own unique flavor and texture to the applesauce. Gala apples are sweet and crisp, Fuji apples are firm and juicy, and McIntosh apples are tender and have a tart - sweet flavor. You can mix different varieties to create a more complex and delicious applesauce.

If you want to add a touch of warmth and spice, cinnamon is an excellent choice. Cinnamon has a long - standing association with fall and apples, and it adds a wonderful aroma and flavor to the applesauce. A small amount of cinnamon can go a long way, so start with a 1/4 teaspoon and adjust according to your taste.

Another optional ingredient is sugar. While apples are naturally sweet, some people prefer a sweeter applesauce. If you decide to add sugar, start with a small amount, say 1/4 cup for every 4 - 5 pounds of apples, and taste as you go. You can also use honey as a natural sweetener, which adds a unique flavor profile.

Now, let's move on to the canning process. The first step is to prepare the apples. Wash the apples thoroughly under running water to remove any dirt or pesticides. Then, peel the apples. You can use a vegetable peeler for this task. After peeling, core the apples. You can use an apple corer, which makes the job quick and easy. Once the apples are peeled and cored, cut them into small chunks. The smaller the chunks, the faster they will cook.

Place the apple chunks in a large pot. Add a small amount of water, about 1/2 cup for every 4 - 5 pounds of apples. The water helps to prevent the apples from sticking to the pot and burning. Bring the water and apples to a boil over medium - high heat. Then, reduce the heat to low and let the apples simmer. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking. As the apples cook, they will start to break down and become soft.

Once the apples are soft, you can use a potato masher or an immersion blender to puree the apples into a smooth sauce. If you prefer a chunkier applesauce, you can mash the apples less or leave some chunks intact. At this point, if you are using cinnamon or sugar, add them to the applesauce and stir well to combine.

Now, it's time for canning. You will need canning jars, lids, and a canning pot. Make sure the jars and lids are clean and sterilized. You can do this by boiling them in water for a few minutes. Carefully ladle the hot applesauce into the jars, leaving about 1/2 inch of headspace at the top. Wipe the rims of the jars clean to ensure a good seal. Place the lids on the jars and screw on the bands until they are fingertip - tight.

Lower the jars into the canning pot filled with boiling water. Make sure the water covers the jars by at least 1 - 2 inches. Bring the water back to a boil and start the timer. For half - pint jars, process for about 20 minutes, and for pint jars, process for about 25 minutes. This processing time helps to kill any bacteria and ensures that the applesauce is properly preserved.

After the processing time is up, carefully remove the jars from the canning pot using a jar lifter. Place the jars on a towel - lined countertop and let them cool. As the jars cool, you will hear a popping sound, which indicates that the jars have sealed properly. Check the seals by pressing on the center of the lids. If the lids do not flex, the jars are sealed.

Store the sealed jars in a cool, dark place, such as a pantry or cellar. Your homemade applesauce will be ready to enjoy for months to come. You can use the applesauce as a topping for pancakes or waffles, a filling for pies or turnovers, or simply eat it on its own. It's a versatile and delicious way to make the most of the fall apple harvest.

So, don't let this fall's apple bounty go to waste. Grab your apples, a few simple ingredients, and start canning applesauce today. With a little time and effort, you can have a supply of homemade applesauce that will bring the taste of fall into your home all year long.