Homemade Applesauce

 Ingredients:

• zest and juice of 2 large navel oranges
• zest and juice of 1 lemon
• 3 pounds Granny Smith apples (6-8)
• 3 pounds McIntosh apples (6-8)
• 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 1/4 pound unsalted butter
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
2. Place the zest and juice of the oranges and lemon in a large bowl. Peel, quarter, and core the apples and toss them in the juice. Pour the apples and juice in a nonreactive Dutch oven or enameled iron pot. 
3. Add the brown sugar, butter, cinnamon, and allspice and cover the pot. 
4. Bake for 1-1/2 hours, or until all the apples are soft. 
5. Mix with a whisk until smooth. Serve warm or a room temperature.

Recipe from the kitchen of the Barefoot Contessa.