Make Your Own Chunky Applesauce

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3. 4 pounds apples (about 10), peeled, cored and cut into 1-inch chunks (I like a combination of McIntosh and Golden Delicious)
4. 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into 1/4-inch chunks
5. 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons brown sugar, packed
6. Dash cinnamon, for serving (optional)
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8. Preheat the oven to 400°F. Place the apples in a 9x13-inchbaking dish. Scatter the the brown sugar and chunks of butter evenly over top. Cover tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 45-50 minutes, tossing once halfway through, until the apples are very tender. Mash the apples with a potato masher or fork. Taste; if the applesauce is too tart, add more brown sugar little by little until the flavors are balanced. (Note that no two batches will ever be the same; the flavor will depend on the tartness of the apples you use.)