Applesauce

Applesauce is a staple in my daughters diet. Its a lighter color puree so its easy for feeding her while we are out and not as much of a mess, and its a great base for mixing with other fruits and cereal. There are several different varieties of apples with different textures and flavors. My favorite to use is a mixture of granny smith green apples and pink lady apples. The pink lady apples have a sweet taste and the green apple texture hold up to the cooking process and stay smooth, not gritty. 

So peel and core two apples (1 green and 1 pink), and cut into 1 inch chunks. For the best caramelized flavor, I like to bake them in the oven. 

Prepare a glass baking dish with a light spray of cooking spray, and spread chunks into an even layer. 

Pour over 1/2 cup of unsweetened apple juice and using a whole vanilla bean, split down the center and scrape out the seeds and toss with apple chunks and throw in pods as well for added flavor. If you don't have access to a vanilla bean 1 tsp of vanilla extract will work.

Bake in a preheated 400 degree oven for 20-30 min until tender and slightly golden and caramelized. 

Remove from the oven and allow to cool. Remove vanilla bean pods and scoop apples and cooking liquid into whatever you use to make baby food. (Baby Bullet, blender, food processor, etc.)

will store in the refrigerator for 1 week in an airtight container or in the freezer for 1 month.