Just Like Grandma

One of the people on my "I want to be like them" list is my Grandma.  She went to be with Jesus at 93 years old, 8 years ago.  Up into her 80's she walked miles every day after spending an hour or so  faithfully praying for everyone on an extensive list.

Growing up, some of the highlights of each year for me included the week or so we spent at Grandma's house each summer, and the visits after Christmas.  I can picture every room in Grandma's house, and probably have a story of something that happened in each one.  Even the garage holds memories.  Grandma's garage was lined with shelves, and many of  these shelves were filled with jars.  There were jams, canned fruits, veggies and sauces of many kinds.  Most came from the fruit trees that grew in her backyard.  Some of my favorites were the plum jam and the applesauce.

So, all this to say that I tried a recipe for homemade applesauce this week.  It was super easy and super simple, and when I ate it, it tasted just like I remember Grandma's applesauce tasting.  It brought back memories of hot summer days and all the many fun, special memories I have of time spent at Grandma's house.

This is the recipe I tried:

4 apples - peeled, cored and chopped 
3/4 cup water 
1/4 cup white sugar 
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 

In a saucepan, combine apples, water, sugar, and cinnamon. Cover, and cook over medium heat for 15 to 20 minutes, or until apples are soft. Allow to cool, then mash with a fork or potato masher. 

I used a little less sugar, and only slightly mashed it with a fork so that it retained a nice, chunky consistency.  Yummy!