Ingredients

3 pounds Macintosh apples (about 6), quartered and cored 

Juice of 1 lemon, (about 2 tablespoons) 

1 (4-inch) cinnamon stick, broken in half 

Pinch of salt 

1 to 2 tablespoons light-brown sugar (optional) 

Preparation

In a medium saucepan, combine apples, lemon juice, cinnamon, and salt. Bring to a boil over medium heat. Cover, and cook, stirring occasionally, until the apples have cooked down into a sauce, 20 to 25 minutes.

Using a fork, remove pieces of apple peel from sauce, and discard. Use immediately, or store, refrigerated, in an airtight container for up to 1 week.