When I started my own company last year I thought I was going to be bored. So, I took a part-time waitress job downtown and quickly found myself working upwards of 100 hours per week. I quit said waitress job so I would have time to do other important things – like take showers and sleep – and promptly found myself itching to fill my newly free evenings and weekends with billable hours.
Just as soon as my schedule was once again jam packed with conference calls and deadlines, I promptly lost a large account and found myself torn between hitting the proverbial pavement to pitch new, better business and sitting on my couch in sweatpants for sixteen hours each day, wondering what I should do with my life.
I think you know where this is going. Hint: it does not involve sweatpants.
Okay, that’ s a lie. Sometimes I work in sweatpants.
Since the end of September, I’ve started working with three new clients that I can honestly, truly say I enjoy. Each client that I am working with has a brand, a service or a business that I believe in and at the end of the day, am excited about. When you work in public relations, you don’t always get to choose who you represent so believe me, I feel grateful.
I know you’re not here to read about work, but you are probably wondering where the hell I’ve been and why, during the season where I should be overwhelming you with awkwardly-shaped squashes and enough Brussels sprouts to give you gas just from their pictures, I’ve been oddly quiet here. I think it’s because for the first time in over a year, I am focused on what I do from 9-5. It’s a feeling that, truth be told, I’m not used to, but I like it.
Even though my blog has slowed considerably my appetite has not. Though Thanksgiving is a few weeks away and I’ve not quite fallen to the temptation of “testing” turkey day recipes, it’s undeniably the season for sage, cornbread and cranberries. Take that and combine it with a surplus of almost-past-their-prime apples and the rest, as they say, is history.
Quick Cranberry Applesauce
Yield: Eight 1/2-cup servings
When apple season overlaps with cranberry season, delicious meals and snacks can only result. This seasonal spin on farm-fresh applesauce is the perfect combination of sweet and tart – and best of all, low in calories. Choose tart apples varieties like Granny Smith or Golden Delicious and if you like a sweeter sauce, increase the amount of sugar to your liking.
What You Need:
2 pounds fresh cooking apples, peeled, cored and quartered (5-6 medium apples)
6 ounces (about one heaping cup) fresh cranberries
Juice from one lemon
1 cup water
½ cup sugar or natural low-calorie sweetener
¼ teaspoon salt
How-To:
In a large saucepan over medium-high heat, combine apples, cranberries, lemon juice and water. Add sugar and stir until the fruit is evenly coated. Bring to a boil and reduce heat to low.
Cover pot and simmer for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally. When apples are soft enough to mash with a spoon, remove from heat. Mash with a potato masher until the mixture is smooth. If you prefer more texture, leave some of the apple pieces whole.
Serve warm or let chill in the refrigerator in a covered container until ready to eat. Keep chilled and covered for up to one week or freeze for up to six months.
Print This Recipe
{ 30 comments… read them below or add one }
Even though it means time away from the blog, it’s great that you’re so happy with your work life at the moment and are working with such great clients!
I can imagine using this cranberry applesauce all over the place, it’s just a perfect combination of sweet and sharp.
This looks amazing and you will be making this for us on Thanksgiving!
Yummmm! I love cranberries-bet they add something amazing to applesauce
so glad to hear things are working out and you’re enjoying your work!
YUM YUM YUM! Did I say YUM? Seriously, the sauce looks to die for and how easy it is? I love it
I like the combo and it’s one I haven’t tried. I’m glad you’re enjoying your work.
Maris, I have the same issues trying to balance work, blog, and family. Good for you for trying to strike that balance! This cranberry applesauce looks fabulous!
This looks so pretty!
I’m so glad to hear that your work with clients is going well! Enjoying work is definitely a good thing, even if it means less blogging.
so happy to hear that you’ve got some new clients that you love! that definitely makes a big difference
This looks delicious and I’m so happy that you’re loving your clients right now! You deserve it!
I love this idea! Right now I am all about the cranberries
I’m so happy to hear you’ve found work you love! I am loving the sound of this recipe!
Congrats! And I’m definitely making this for myself during Thanksgiving this year!
Yay! Glad to hear things are good on the client front. I knew things would come around for you. You have so much more perseverance than you give yourself credit for.
Hooray for staying busy! When you start your own business it’s good to be busy
The applesauce sounds great too. I love the addition of tart cranberries…yum!
Having worked at a number of jobs I loathed, spending your working time on things that you enjoy is truly a blessing so… CONGRATS!!! So happy that you have found work that you are not only good at but that you truly enjoy!
As a bit of a cranberry and apple fanatic, this is completely up my alley – can’t wait to make a batch of this to go with all the roasted meats I am planning on making now that the weather is finally getting cooler!!
What a great idea. I have done pears and cranberries, but never apples and cranberries. Love it and so pretty.
Love homemade applesauce…nice idea adding cranberries in it. Delish!
I am a nut about cranberry sauce (and yes, I’ve put nuts IN cranberry sauce). The addition of apples sounds like a great addition.
I’m glad you’re happy! That’s all that matters
We’ll see what tune I’m singing next week though, when I go back to work after almost 4 years! (part time, but still, a huge adjustment). Let the good times roll…
Cranberry sauce RULES! No one ever eats it at Thanksgiving except me. Their loss is my gain. Congrats on the work you’re doing. Happiness is always key in whatever you do. My motto : If you don’t find joy in it, don’t do it.
Happy Thursday
Heather
Popped in to say hi! I was thinking about you the other day and I’m glad you’re doing well. I just started doing part time freelance for a local PR firm–it’s a lot different than the newspaper industry!
Glad to hear things are going well for you! What a great combination this is with the cranberries and apples. No gas involved either
HI Maris…I’m SOOOOO glad to hear all is working out well. I have been wondering, and sending warm wishes down your way. Thanks for this fantastic recipe…enjoy your Friday.
So happy things are going well for you, Maris! And glad to have you back for a bit with this great recipe. My 20 month old LOVES cranberry applesauce, so this will probably be on the menu soon.
Glad to see you back again! the applesauce looks amazing!
Homemade applesauce is the best and your cranberry twist is such a great idea!
Maris-It’s wonderful that you truly enjoy the clients you have and that you love your job. I love any thing with cranberries and can’t wait to try your delicious applesauce.
I love apples and cranberries together. YUM