Today is a special day: it is Mr. How Sweet’s birthday! Happy Birthday Mr. How Sweet!

Many moons ago Mr. How Sweet entered the world. If it was up to him, he would like to see steak with a side of chicken on the blog today. Or even the meal he had on Saturday afternoon – a cheeseburger with a side of orange chicken from Trader Joe’s. Yes, I’m serious. Next time I will take a picture.

I couldn’t make this stuff up.
We celebrated his birthday a little bit this weekend, and he opened his presents at 5am this morning. Who says you have to grow up? Sometime this week I’m going to make him his birthday dinner – filet and sweet potatoes.

And I may make some of this applesauce for the side, because I ate it all. He didn’t even get to taste it.

I have issues with sharing.

I’ve never actually made applesauce before. It has always seemed a bit too daunting of a task. Plus, I’m sort of lazy. And I couldn’t imagine it tasting better than cold-from-the-fridge sweetened applesauce that I ate buckets of when I was younger – doused with cinnamon sugar and all. Because what good is sweetened applesauce without the added sugar on top?
I was wrong. And trust me, it pains me to utter those words. Ask Mr. How Sweet. I’m not even sure if he has heard those words since we’ve been married. According to those with successful marriages, I should start saying them more often. So let me say it again.

I was wrong!

Not only was this applesauce quick and easy – it literally took less than 20 minutes to make – it was incredibly delicious. I ate it both hot and cold, and can’t decide which way I like it better.

I left the skins on and tried it a bit chunky first, then mashed it some more. I prefer it with as few chunks as possible.

If only my thighs thought the same way…


Quick Cinnamon Maple Applesauce

serves 2-3

2 apples, chopped (I used Honeycrisp)

2 tablespoons water

1/4 teaspoon cinnamon

pinch of salt

pinch of nutmeg

1 tablespoon maple syrup

Heat a saucepan over medium heat. Add water, apples, cinnamon and nutmeg, cover and simmer for about 10 minutes. Remove from heat and mash with a fork or potato masher.

I have an apple obsession. Be prepared. And scared. And hungry.