Spiced Applesauce

In an 8- to 10-qt. heavy pot or Dutch oven combine apples, water, the lemon juice, cinnamon, and apple pie spice. Bring to boiling; reduce heat. Simmer, covered, 25 to 30 minutes or until apples are very tender, stirring often. Discard stick cinnamon.

Press apples through a food mill or sieve. Return pulp to pot; discard skins. Stir in sugar to taste. If necessary, add 1/2 to 1 cup water to reach desired consistency. Bring to boiling, stirring until sugar is dissolved.

Place pot of applesauce in a sink filled with ice water; stir to cool. Ladle into clean wide-mouth pint or quart freezer containers, leaving a 1/2-inch headspace. Seal and label. Store in refrigerator up to 2 weeks or freeze up to 8 months. Makes 6 pints or 3 quarts.