Chunky Applesauce in the Microwave

4 portions

2 McIntosh apples

2 Granny Smith or other tart apples

1 cup water

Juice of 1/2 lemon

1/2 cup sugar

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1. Halve and core the apples: peel them if you like. Cut each one into 6 wedges or 1-inch chunks.

2. Combine the apples, water, and lemon juice in a deep microwave safe 2 1/2-quart casserole.

3. Toss the sugar and cinnamon together in a small bowl and add to apple mixture.

4. Cook, uncovered for 5 minutes. Stir, pressing apples into liquid and return to microwave. Cook for another 5 minutes. Using a hand blender, mix apples into applesauce.

From The New Basics Cookbook by Rosso & Lukins.

Apple Crisp

Serves Six

8 Granny Smith apples, peeled and sliced

1/3 cup water

1/4 cup flour

1 cup brown sugar, packed in

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 pound butter, in small pieces

1 pint heavy cream or vanilla ice cream

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Butter a 1 1/2 quart baking dish, spread the apples in it, and sprinkle the water on top. Combine the flour, sugar, cinnnamon, and salt in a bowl and rub in the butter with your fingers until it resembles coarse crumbs. Spread evenly over the apples. Bake for about 30 minutes or until crust is browned. Serve hot with heavy cream or ice cream.

From the Fanny Farmer Cookbook