Cinnamon Applesauce

Making applesauce is a great way to spend a fall afternoon, and if you make it before Thanksgiving, it's a great gift for your guests.

It is basically making the very simple sauce, and preserving it in jars. Once made, it can be sealed and stored in jars in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. The applesauce is great for using as filling in pies and tarts, and can be served as a side with pork and ham.

Cinnamon Applesauce - Ingredients

• 16 unpeeled red-skinned apples, such as MacIntosh or Rome Beauty (cored and quartered)
  
• 1 1/4 quarter cups fresh lemon juice (about 8 lemons)
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 2 4-inch cinnamon sticks, broken in half
• 2 cups water

Method

1. Put the apples in a large, heavy saucepan.
2. Sprinkle them with lemon juice and toss thoroughly to coat.
3. Add the sugar, cinnamon sticks, and water. Bring to a boil, then immediately reduce the heat to medium-low.
4. Cover the pot and let simmer until the apples break down to applesauce, 30 - 40 minutes.
5. Remove from the heat, uncover, and let the apples cool slightly in the pot.
6. Discard the cinnamon sticks.
7. Using a rubber scraper, gently push the apples through a coarse-mesh sieve or food mill. Discard the peels.
8. Return the applesauce to the pt, and heat until it begins to bubble. Transfer to hot, sterilized jars.
   
9. Seal and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

Beaujolais Nouveau

Yesterday was the day for the arrival of Beaujolais Nouveau. If you are not familiar with Beaujolais Nouveau, on the third Thursday of each November, cases of Beaujolais Nouveau begin their journey from France to all parts of the world. Beaujolais Nouveau is a red wine made from Gamay grapes produced in the Beaujolais region of France, and is the most popular vin de primeur, fermented for just a few weeks then officially released for sale.

What makes Beaujolais Nouveau different to regular Beaujolais? It is a very young wine - pressed after only three days, creating a very light, fruity red wine, without the usual tannins normally found in red wines. It is also best when served slightly chilled, making it an ideal accompaniment to lighter foods such as pasta, poultry, cheese or fish. It is also a fairly inexpensive wine, so if you would normally buy a white wine but want to try something different this is definitely a wine worth tasting.

So if you are looking for a light, fruity, inexpensive wine to go with your Thanksgiving celebrations, why not try Beaujolais Nouveau for a change?