RECIPE Tip of the Day 2/16/07: Homemade Applesauce

How do ya like these apples?*

For an alternative to the same old Red Delicious apple, which can often be firm on the outside, but be soft and mealy inside:

Try a Fuji apple, as pictured to the right. Always sweet, always firm with a long storage life and a bright fragrance, they are great in baking and applesauce, or just plain snacking.

LushMommy's Beginning Eater's Homemade Applesauce
Makes enough for maybe 3 baby meals.

2 large Fuji apples, peeled, cored and chopped into 1" pieces

1. Arrange apple pieces in one layer in a 1-qt microwavable casserole dish, pref. glass or ceramic, and place the dish's cover on.
2. Nuke for about 3-4 mins or until soft (the apple's high water content will provide enough steam to cook).
3. Let cool for a few minutes, then puree in a food mill, blender, food processor or by hand with a fork or potato masher.
4. Divide it into servings you think your baby can handle and either freeze (last prob. 1 month in freezer) or refrigerate (at most for 3 days).

*Please forgive me for the Good Will Hunting reference. I am the anti-Matt Damon.