Active Time

　　10 min

　　Total Time

　　1 hr

　　Active time: 10 min Start to finish: 1 hr (includes cooling)

　　

Ingredients

Makes about 1 1/4 cups

　　1 lb Gala apples

　　1/2 cup water

　　1/2 cup sugar

　　1/2 teaspoon finely grated fresh lemon zest

　　1/8 teaspoon cinnamon

　　2 tablespoons Calvados

　　

Step 1

Peel and core apples, then cut into 1-inch pieces. Bring apples, water, sugar, zest, and cinnamon to a boil in a 2-quart heavy saucepan, stirring occasionally, then reduce heat and simmer, covered, 15 minutes.

　　

Step 2

Remove lid and simmer until most of liquid is evaporated, 5 to 10 minutes. Add Calvados and simmer, stirring occasionally, 1 minute. Mash apples with a potato masher or a fork to a coarse sauce, then cool.

　　Cooks' note:

　　• Applesauce can be made 3 days ahead and chilled, covered.