For about a couple months now I’ve been participating in a co-op (Bountiful Baskets) here in Texas. I’ve had the opportunity to try a bunch of fruits of vegetables that I don’t normally eat or purchase at the store and so far we’re loving our every other week picking up adventure in town.
Last week they were offering a 36 pound case of Granny Smith apples and a nearly nine pound case of mangoes. Plus we got several limes in our regular order. I decided some experimenting needed to be done so when my friend suggested mango applesauce, I went one step further and added limes. The result? A tropical twist on an old American favorite–Mango Lime Applesauce.
I found while cooking that my new Better Homes and Gardens Tri-Ply Base 18/10 Stainless-Steel 4-Piece 8-Qt Multi-Cooker (available exclusively at Walmart for under $50) did most of the hard work for me. I simply added my quartered apples to the pasta basket and steamed them until they were soft, then dumped them into my largest mixing bowl. The multi-cooker heats quickly and evenly and is surprisingly easy to clean. I used the veggie steamer included with the multi-cooker to strain my limes so I could extract all the juice from them (hint: to juice the limes quickly, quarter the limes, then place in a blender with 1/2 a cup of water and puree for 15 to 20 seconds, drain).
I’ve found a few other great uses for the Better Homes and Gardens Tri-Ply Base 18/10 Stainless-Steel 4-Piece 8-Qt Multi-Cooker besides cooking and draining pasta, and steaming fish and vegetables. Making jellies, jams, butters, salsa, and homemade spaghetti sauce is now a breeze and the steaming capabilities of the cookware now means that more nutrients stay in the food I am steaming, rather in boiling water. Tomatoes and peaches only need to be steamed for a few minutes to loosen their skins. The 4 piece 8 quart multi-cooker is sturdy with a tight fitting lid, and if you don’t have one I highly recommend purchasing it whether you are an avid cooker like me or you’re just looking for a good pot to make dinnertime go more smoothly.
Now, without further adieu, here’s the recipe for my fabulously tropical Mango Lime Applesauce–enjoy!
Mango Lime Applesauce (printable recipe HERE)
- 20-22 medium Granny Smith Apples, cored and quartered, skin on
- 4 ripe mangoes, pits and skins removed
- Juice of 2-4 limes, depending on taste
- optional, 1 cup sugar or other sweetener, to taste
Steam or boil with enough water to cover apples half-way for about 20 minutes, or until apples are soft but not mushy. Drain and place in a very large mixing bowl. Mash with a potato masher a small amount (about one minute). Add mango and stir well. Add lime juice and stir once again. At this time you may add any sweeteners. Allow mixture to cool for ten minutes.
Using a blender, puree machine, Vitamix (I really wish I had one of those!), or other device puree apple mixture to your desired consistency. Refrigerate or bottle/can immediately. If canning, can in a water bath as you would regular applesauce. Makes 4 quarts or 8 pints.
Disclosure: I received the Better Homes and Gardens Tri-Ply Base 18/10 Stainless-Steel 4-Piece 8-Qt Multi-Cooker for free in exchange for a review.
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