Homemade Apple Sauce

Since becoming a vegetarian, I have been looking for healthy fruit and veggie recipes. Applesauce seemed like an easy treat to make at home and has zero Weight Watchers points (if you use Splenda). Here is my recipe for fresh Organic applesauce (if you use Organic ingredients). I added pears and blueberries since they were ripe, but you don't have to. This recipe is for a medium sized batch. If you want to make a larger or smaller batch, the ratio is about 2 apples per pear. I use an immersion blender to puree the fruit but you can also use a blender or food processor. 

Ingredients
Apples - 5 medium
Pears - 2 (I use Bosc pears because they seem sweetest)
Blueberries - 1 cup (really just how many you want)
Juice from one lemon (essential so apples don't break down)
Brown Sugar - 1 heaping teaspoon
Sugar or Splenda to taste
Cinnamon - 1 teaspoon if you are NOT using Blueberries

Peel and core the apples and pears. Cut into about 1 inch cubes. Put in medium pot and add lemon juice. Add about 1/2 cup water, or just enough to cover the bottom of your pan. 

Cook on high heat until water boils, then cover pot and reduce to medium low. Cook for 20 minutes or until apples are tender. (The pears will not be tender, but they will be cooked. Just test the apples.) Add the blueberries, replace cover, and cook for another 3-5 minutes. Remove from heat.

Using a slotted spoon, move the fruit to a large mixing bowl (or blender or food processor). Add brown sugar. Blend until there are no chunks, but don't liquify it. Stir in sugar or Splenda to taste. (If you are not using blueberries you can stir in cinnamon now too).  Move to tupperware and refrigerate. I also like to have a serving when it's warm!

I have been tempted to go all Jessica Seinfeld on this recipe, but I haven't had the guts yet. Hope you like it!