Applesauce is a great recipe to double, triple, or quadruple. Homemade applesauce is a favorite food for children of all ages, an dit's so versatile! Red Delicious, Braeburn, and Gala apples make particularly good applesauce, though almost any variety can be used.

• Wash the apple thoroughly, removing any bruised parts. Peel, core, and slice the apple into small pieces.

• Cover with water in a saucepan. Cover pot and steam until tender, stirring occasionally, about 6–8 minutes.

• Place apples into food processor or blender. Purée until chunky.

• Add leftover boiling water 1 tablespoon at a time, and purée until smooth.

• If the mixture is too coarse, pass through a fine sieve before serving and storing.

Fiber First

One of the best things about applesauce is it's a great way to incorporate fiber into your child's diet. Apples contain both soluble and insoluble fiber, in addition to being a great source of vitamins and minerals. For older babies, use applesauce as a topping, or replace oil with applesauce when baking.