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March222011

Vanilla Bean Applesauce

Mmmmm…. Applesauce just got a whole lot better!

I use to make homemade applesauce for M all the time but for some reason have moved away from it. With a surplus of apples on hand I figured it was time to whip up a batch, but this time I wanted to change it up a bit.

Enter the fragrant vanilla bean…

Would you believe me if I told you I’ve never cooked with vanilla bean before?!

I know…    Shocking!

To christen my vanilla bean virgin-ness I thought I’d start simple and add it to apples 🙂

For the applesauce I used 4 large apples, peeled, cored, & cut into wedges, 1 vanilla bean, 1/2 cup water, 1-2 tablespoons turbinado sugar, & the juice of one lemon.

I added all the ingredients to a medium saucepan. I split the vanilla bean pod in half, scraped all those flavor packed vanilla beans out, added it to the saucepan, and threw the vanilla pod in.

Cook on medium – medium high for about 15 minutes or until apples are super soft.

My apples mashed easily with a fork. If you want it smoother you can blend it up 🙂

You can either throw the vanilla pod out or put it in a container of sugar to make vanilla sugar.

Ingredients:

  • 4 large apples (peeled, cored, & cut into wedges)
  • 1 vanilla bean pod
  • 1/2 cup water (more if needed)
  • 1 tablespoon turbinado sugar (more or less depending how sweet you want it) – can be subbed with granulated sugar too.
  • Juice of one lemon

Directions:

Combine the apples, water, sugar, & lemon juice in a medium saucepan. Split the vanilla bean pod in half with a knife and with that same knife, scrape the vanilla beans out and add them to the saucepan. Once the vanilla pod is scraped, add the pod to the saucepan.

Cover and cook over med.- med. high heat for 15-20 minutes or until apples can easily be smashed with fork.

My serving suggestion: Serve warm with a large scoop of vanilla ice cream on top then drizzle warm caramel over the ice cream.  Yum 🙂

26 Responses

  1. Anne@butterandbear said on March 22, 2011 at 7:37 am

    My boys would absolutely love this. What a great idea!

  2. Estela - Weekly Bite said on March 22, 2011 at 7:44 am

    Thanks Anne 🙂 M LOVED this and has asked for it three times since I made it 🙂

  3. British mum said on March 22, 2011 at 8:04 am

    Hi Estela,

    Your applesauce looks fantastic, vanilla beans make all the difference! Your photos are LOVELY, they make me want to rush off and make the applesauce right now. Happy cooking.

  4. Jen @ keepitsimplefoods said on March 22, 2011 at 8:06 am

    Love makeing my own applesauce at home. Adding vanilla bean is a brilliant touch!

    Btw, where did you get that little spoon? It’s so cute!

  5. Estela - Weekly Bite said on March 22, 2011 at 8:10 am

    Hi Jen 🙂

    I got the spoon at the Crate & Barrel Outlet. Love the stuff there 🙂

  6. J3nn (Jenn's Menu and Lifestyle Blog) said on March 22, 2011 at 8:27 am

    Vanilla bean takes nearly everything to a whole new level. That sounds amazing!

  7. Jessica @ How Sweet said on March 22, 2011 at 8:44 am

    This sounds so good. Love vanilla beans.

  8. Maryea (Happy Healthy Mama) said on March 22, 2011 at 8:47 am

    I have never cooked with vanilla bean either. Sounds like a great addition to homemade applesauce.

  9. Samantha Angela @ Bikini Birthday said on March 22, 2011 at 8:48 am

    YUM! Suddenly I have a serious craving for applesauce 😀

  10. Anna @ Newlywed, Newly Veg said on March 22, 2011 at 9:02 am

    Ooooh, adding vanilla bean is a great move!! So yummy!

  11. Laura said on March 22, 2011 at 9:03 am

    What a great idea! Vanilla bean is such a great way to add extra flavor to dishes and I love the idea of vanilla in apple sauce. I’ve got to try this one – thanks for sharing the recipe!

  12. Lauren at Keep It Sweet said on March 22, 2011 at 9:17 am

    What a delicious batch of applesauce!

  13. Evan Thomas said on March 22, 2011 at 9:44 am

    This sounds unbeatable. Vanilla bean makes anything irresistible.

  14. Sarena (The Non Dairy Queen) said on March 22, 2011 at 10:02 am

    Vanilla is a perfect addition to homemade applesauce. I love making my applesauce. I normally do it when my in-laws give me a ton of apples from their trees. I can’t wait for next fall!

  15. Heather @ Heather's Dish said on March 22, 2011 at 10:13 am

    I need to just take the plunge and buy vanilla beans asap!

  16. Tracey @ I'm Not Superhuman said on March 22, 2011 at 11:36 am

    As if homemade applesauce could get better… And the smell! You should show your house right after making that. 🙂

  17. Estela - Weekly Bite said on March 22, 2011 at 12:59 pm

    Ha! That’s a great idea 🙂

  18. Blog is the New Black said on March 22, 2011 at 5:40 pm

    I’ve never made apple sauce, but if I do, you bet I’m adding the bean!

  19. Natalia - a side of simple said on March 22, 2011 at 5:45 pm

    Mmm this looks delicious! I admit I’ve been afraid to make my own apple sauce, though I eat apples every single day!

  20. Kath (My Funny Little Life) said on March 22, 2011 at 10:11 pm

    What a wonderful little dish! So yummy and simple to make! I’ve just started using vanilla beans as well (with almond milk so far) and really like them and want to use them more often. I’ll definitely make vanilla applesauce soon! 🙂

  21. Jenn L @ Peas and Crayons said on March 22, 2011 at 11:08 pm

    YES YES YES! Where is my spoon? yum!

  22. Nicole, RD said on March 23, 2011 at 9:41 am

    I am loving your suggestion with the ice cream and caramel…YUM! Vanilla bean is such a creative addition to applesauce..I will certainly be trying this! Makes me anxious for fall & apples again!

  23. Tasha @ Voracious said on March 23, 2011 at 10:07 am

    Homemade applesauce is always delicious, but adding vanilla bean….that was just genius! I bet it took the dish to a whole new level. Your photos are stunning!

  24. Georgia @ The Comfort of Cooking said on March 23, 2011 at 2:17 pm

    I love making my own applesauce, and yours looks absolutely mouthwatering with the vanilla bean! I have vanilla bean paste that is begging to be used for this. Thanks for sharing this simple and delicious recipe, Estela!

  25. Casey (TheHealthGoddess) said on March 23, 2011 at 6:17 pm

    Hi! I just came across your blog! I love it and all that you have to offer here. I am super excited to try out some of your recipes.
    P.S. The apple sauce looks so delicious!

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