The best homemade applesauce

Ingredients:

• 1.8 kg (4 lbs) mixed apples, such as Golden Delicious, Gala, Honeycrisp, or Mackintosh (about 8), peeled, cored, and sliced
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 tbsp. freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon

Preparation:

1. Combine the apples, sugar, 1 cup water, and 1/2 teaspoon salt in a large saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally. Reduce the heat to medium. Cover with a tight-fitting lid and simmer until the apples are very soft, 18-20 minutes.
2. Add lemon juice and cinnamon. Let cool for 5 minutes, then transfer the apple mixture to a blender, filling it no more than halfway. Remove the lid and close the blender.
3. Cover the lid with a folded kitchen towel to prevent splashing and blend until smooth. Alternatively, puree the mixture in the saucepan with an immersion blender.
4. Transfer the applesauce to a bowl and refrigerate until completely cool, about 1 hour. Store applesauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days..