Apples, Pears, Apples, Pears...

Everywhere I look, I see apples and pears...What to do with them? Here is your perfect Fall staple. Apple Pear Sauce. Just like applesauce, but softer, and spiced with vanilla bean and cinnamon sticks. This is a great sauce to have in your fridge, delicious on its own (children and adults love it!) or served alongside roasted potatoes, or even sliced brisket. There's nothing like the homemade version, it's really so easy, and here's how...

Apple Pear Sauce

4 or more apples, any variety, peeled, cored and quartered
4 or more pears, any variety, peeled, cored and quartered
1 cinnamon stick
1 vanilla bean pod, split down the middle
1/4 cup water

Place all ingredients in a large pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce temperature to Medium. Cook, covered for 45 minutes to 90 minutes, depending on how many apples and pears you have used. The more fruit, the longer they will need to cook. Check with a fork to determine if they are ready. They should be extremely soft, almost falling apart. Remove the cinnamon stick and vanilla bean, and discard. Place the fruit into a food processor, and process until smooth. If you prefer a chunky version, use a potato masher to mash the fruit to your desired chunkiness. Cool completely. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for about a month, though I doubt it will last that long!