Hailey and I made Red Hot Applesauce in honor of my Great Aunt Do who passed away on Monday after 89 blessed years on earth. She is being laid to rest today.
Not only did this kind woman raise her own children and step children but she expanded her mothering heart to her nieces and nephews, my dad included, after their mother, her sister, died at an early age. My dad was only 3 when his mom was taken from him by ovarian cancer and it was only a few short years later when their father passed on as well. My dad and his 2 sisters and 1 brother were all cared for by a village of Aunts and Uncles. Aunt Do was the closest to the mother that my Dad, as the baby of the family, never got to know.
This recipe was one of the treats that Aunt Do used to spoil her children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews and, knowing Aunt Do, probably a whole host of neighbors, congregation members and friends.
The first time I met Aunt Do, she had a large pot of this simmering on the stove. The warm cinnamon smell combined with her cheerful manor made us feel welcomed and cherished.
This is unfortunately not from her exact recipe but, like any good noshtalgic food, you just feel the concept and know the taste in your memory.
Red Hot Applesauce
10 apples, peeled and sliced
2 jars red hot candies (found in the cake decorating section of my supermarket)
1/2 cup apple juice
Combine all ingredients in a large pot on the stove or in your crock pot and simmer on low until the smell makes you smile, the color is lollie pop red and the apples are tender.
I will miss you Aunt Do, Thank You for all you shared helping to raise my Dad!
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