8 apples

If you are anything like me Fall is when apple picking is a fun family affair but I seem to go overboard every year and end up with more apples than counter space. This does not thrill my husband because this also usually entails me filling up the fridge and freezer with new apple creations that could either be a huge win or a sad fail.

This recipe on the other hand is foolproof! All it takes is eight apples and you get not one but two crowd pleasing results - apple cider and apple sauce.

With apple season many places have spiced or mulled apple cider. It may sound yummy but those spices can have hidden allergens, that due to proprietary blends, companies do not need to share that information. Not being forthcoming with ingredients means these items are completely off the menu for many allergy families- ours included.

So without further ado here is how eight apples turn into the most delicious mulled apple cider and sauce in less than an hour.

Core and cut apples into small slices.

Tie a cheese cloth with cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, and sliced ginger.

Put the cheese cloth into your InstantPot and pour water in it.

Add the brown sugar to the water and give it a quick stir.

Pour the apples into the InstantPot then set it on High for 25 minutes. Close and lock the lid. Remember to have the vent on top set to Sealing.

While this is cooking it’s a great time to clean up and get a large bowl and strainer ready.

Once the InstantPot is done turn the top valve to Vent and release the pressure. It will take a few minutes to release completely.

Carefully open the InstantPot and remove the cheese cloth package. Put that into the large bowl. Then mash the ingredients with a potato masher so everything is combined.

Now set the InstantPot to Sauté. Then stir the apple mash every few minutes until the desired thickness is achieved. If you like a really thick cider reduce for longer.

Next use a ladle to pour the apple mixture into the strainer over the bowl and gently mash the liquid. Pour the pulp into your blender then repeat until there is nothing left in the InstantPot.

Pour the fresh cider into large sanitized mason jars and store for up to a week.

Blend the apple mash in the blender until desired smoothness. Store these into small individual mason jars for apple sauce for up to a week.

Making two recipes at the same time is awesome because there’s nothing wasted and there are now multiple things to enjoy!