Vanilla Spiced Applesauce

Wednesday, October 3, 2012

This year I am welcoming this crisp cooler air with open arms. I just pulled out my box of sweaters and sweatshirts this weekend and have been rocking a hoodie all weekend long. One of the things Hubby and I do every year to ring in the new season is to go apple picking. It’s become a tradition to do this with my brother and his family.

We’re lucky enough to live about 30 miles form my brother. The rest of my family is out in the Midwest where I grew up. Every year, they bring their kids and it’s fun to look back at last year’s apple picking adventure to see how my little niece and nephew have grown.

After we got home with our bag of apples, Hubby made his first request of the season for applesauce. He loves homemade applesauce and I tend to only make it in the fall. My favorite recipe to make is this Cranberry Applesauce but I was in the mood to mix things up this time around. I had a few vanilla beans in the cabinet and decided to make this Vanilla Spiced Applesauce.

Hubby enjoyed the flavor and I loved the little black specks. Vanilla beans are probably one of my favorite ingredients out there.

One Year Ago: Homemade Cinnamon Applesauce
Two Years Ago: Chicken Tikka Masala
Four Years Ago: Tiramisu Cupcakes
Five Years Ago: The Cone Method and Mussels

Don’t forget about my Power of Pink Challenge – make something PINK by the end of the month to raise Breast Cancer Awareness!

Vanilla Spiced Applesauce

Homemade applesauce spiced with vanilla beans, anise, and cardamom.

Yield: 10-12 servings

Ingredients:

8 apples, diced into large chunks
3 vanilla beans
2 whole star anise
1 Tbsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp cardamom
1 cup water
1/4 cup brown sugar

Directions:

Place the apples in the bottom of a dutch oven or large pan.

Slice the vanilla pods in half lengthwise. Scrape the seeds from the pods with the back of a knife. Place seeds and pods in pan.

Add remaining ingredients and set over medium-high heat until the water starts to boil.

Stir applesauce mixture, cover, and reduce heat to medium-low. Allow to simmer for 20 minutes until apples have broken apart. Use a potato masher to help mash the apples if you'd like.

Allow applesauce to cool and remove star anise pods and vanilla bean pods.

Appetizers / Snacks

1 comment »

19 Responses to “Chocolate Overdose Cake”

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1

yumventures — February 1, 2010 at 2:05 pm

This looks just plain amazing…and I’m not even a huge chocolate fan! The different textures must be delectable — good thing Valentine’s Day is coming up =)
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2

Jelli Bean — February 1, 2010 at 2:22 pm

This looks like my favorite cake I’ve never tried. Yum! After reading the directions, it seems like you could reduce the prep time by simply preparing the brownie batter first and setting it aside while prepping the cake batter, and then baking them at the same time. Either way, I am putting this on my “MUSTS!” list. Thanks for sharing.
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3

Jade — February 1, 2010 at 3:34 pm

Wow!! That looks amazing. It would make a great chocolage indulgence for Valentine’s Day.
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4

Katie — February 1, 2010 at 3:54 pm

WOW! That looks amazing! I love the filling. I’m starring to try for sure. Chocolate cake is always a big winner with guests. 🙂
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5

kitchen koala — February 1, 2010 at 5:36 pm

Mmmm….chocolate! Looks fantastic 🙂
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Memória — February 1, 2010 at 6:56 pm

Man, this cake is serious stuff!! I would love some of that! Thanks for all the tips on how to make it more efficiently.
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oneordinaryday — February 1, 2010 at 7:01 pm

Wow.
That is one amazing way to celebrate.
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8

The Methods Guy — February 2, 2010 at 3:34 am

OMG That looks awesome. I wish I could take it out of the computer screen and eat it right now!!!
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Ingrid — February 2, 2010 at 3:41 am

While I’m not a chocolate cake fan I have to say that is one delicious and impressive looking cake! Definitely makes wish I was into chocolate. 🙂
~ingrid
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Tasteandshare — February 4, 2010 at 12:36 pm

Did anyone count the calories? 😉

Thanks for sharing this recipe. I really feel hungry!

Cheers,

Carsten
tasteandshare.com
food social network * wine social network
gloof
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laurasrecipecollection — February 4, 2010 at 6:17 pm

Talk about death by chocolate! That looks incredible!
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nutmegnanny — February 4, 2010 at 6:42 pm

This is such a beautiful cake! I really want to give it a whirl. A lot of chocolate but totally worth it!
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13

ashley — February 4, 2010 at 8:30 pm

omg. this looks A-M-A-Z-I-N-G. can i get a piece right now please?!
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mycupcake — February 5, 2010 at 3:23 pm

wow. that looks amazing
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ButterYum — February 6, 2010 at 1:27 am

Looks absolutely fabulous. Really wonderful photos too!

So glad I stumbled upon your blog.

🙂
ButterYum
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Mansi — February 9, 2010 at 12:10 am

beautiful cake! one can never be tired of Chocolate! and those strawberries steal the show!:)

Yummy! that would’ve have been a perfect finger food! love the cheesy texture:)

this would be perfect for the Valentine day giveaway I’m hosting on my blog. would be great if you could participate!

http://www.funandfoodcafe.com/2010/02/valentine-super-bowl-recipe-carnival.html
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Chris — February 10, 2010 at 10:00 pm

Is a cake like this even legal? This is going to be a most special addition in the KOL round up. Thanks for participating, Jen!
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Talita — February 25, 2010 at 11:18 pm

Wow!! Just the way the CHocorango likes! Kinda perfect!
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Erin O. — November 14, 2010 at 7:20 pm

When I made this, I almost went into a chocolate coma. But it was totally worth it!!!