Skip to main content

Making Applesauce and Other Purées

Purées have become the foundation of my cookie and cake recipes. Roasting and breaking down fruits to incorporate into your batters is an ideal way to take your baked creations to the next level—and you’ll notice the difference immediately. This simple addition provides hearty flavor, moisture, and can be tailored to your taste with minimal fuss. The recipe that follows applies to any of the fruits (pears, peaches, even pumpkin) included in this book. Simply roast your chosen fruit (see page 27 for more information on roasting fruit) and proceed.

Ingredients

APPLESAUCE

Roasted apples (page 27)
1/4 cup agave nectar
1 cup hot water

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Spoon the roasted apples into a food processor or a blender and add the hot water and agave nectar. Blend the apples until they are smooth, about 1 minute.

    Step 2

    If you do not plan to use the purée immediately, transfer to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

From Babycakes by Erin McKenna, (C) 2009 Clarkson Potter
Read More
Keep this easy frittata recipe on hand for quick breakfasts, impressive brunches, and fridge clean-out meals.
This chicken salad nails it—creamy, herby, and endlessly riffable.
Like cottage cheese caramelize onion dip and a lentil barley salad.
This one-pot dinner cooks chicken thighs directly on top of a bed of flavorful cilantro rice studded with black beans for a complete dinner.
Turn humble onions into this thrifty yet luxe pasta dinner.
Like fattoush salad and strawberry shortcake roll.
Filberts, goobers, scaly bark nuts: Explore the world beyond almonds in this guide.
Using two entire lemons—pith, skin, and all—cranks up the citrus flavor in this classic dessert.