Maple Vanilla Applesauce

Ingredients

• 4 pounds cooking apples , peeled, cored, and quartered
• 4 two-inch strips lemon peel
• 3 tablespoons juice from 1 lemon
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1/4 cup maple syrup
• Seeds from 1/2 vanilla bean
• 1 cup water
• 1 tsp kosher salt

Directions

1. Add all ingredients to large pot and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce to a simmer and cook for 30 minutes.
2. Remove from heat and discard cinnamon sticks and lemon peel. Mash with potato masher until desired texture is achieved. Puree in food processor or blender if desired. Serve warm, at room temperature, or chilled.