Homemade Applesauce

I was planning to write a post about making applesauce since someone had asked how we make it.

But then I discovered I already wrote about making applesauce last year.

So I'll save myself the bother and let you check out last year's post.


The only thing I did differently this year is place the food mill outside on the deck attached to the picnic table. I don't know why I never did this before. My kitchen isn't large and felt crowded when the food mill was hooked up.

Keeping all the sticky mess outside was great for cleanup! After I was done canning, I carried the hot water in the canner out to the deck and slopped the water all over the picnic table and deck. A quick scrub with a brush had everything clean again!


I did wonder if any of you make applesauce without a food mill. I have a Squeezo mill that my mom found at a yard sale. I don't think they make that brand anymore but it is similar to the Roma food mill.


(Edit to add: I'm not sure where I was looking but Bekki shared that the Squeezo strainer  is still available. They aren't cheap but I like that they are all metal. We sure have given ours a lot of use.) 

(Another Edit: My friend Deana sent the following suggestions: "There are 2 models similar to yours available from GOOD's store which I think are reasonably priced. These models do include plastic parts but they seem to hold up well. My mom has used hers for over 20 years. I can recommend the Sauce Master Norpro which costs around $35.00 and the Victorio Strainer (this brand has been around for years) costs around $45.00. We tried a Universal brand (also from GOOD's) and it  had some major design flaws. Good's also carries some replacement parts and accessories screens for processing salsa,berries, juice and pumpkin." So if any of you are close to GOOD's, you can check out their selection, and I also added the links to Amazon.)

I also have a smaller food mill, also from a yard sale, that is great for small amounts. If you don't have a food mill (or one that you can borrow)  you could peel and core the apples and cook down to a chunky sauce that could be mashed with a spoon or potato masher. Any other ideas?



For larger items like food mills, dehydrators, and pressure canners, that are only used several times a year, I was brainstorming how several like-minded families could get together and share. Each family could purchase one item and share with the others. It would not only save money but storage space as well.

What do you think? Would it work?