Recipe VICKI RAVLICH-HORAN | Image BRYDIE THOMPSON
Autumn is a season of abundance and this is no more evident than at the Tauranga Farmers Market. Market manager Trixie Allen says, “Finally all those loaded trees we see during summer can be picked. Paddocks can be harvested. Best of all, some summer crops extend into the autumn allowing for further freezing and preserving.” So, with your market basket full of fresh local goodness, here are a few ideas to enjoy it.
Make the most of the end of blueberry season and the start of apple season with this easy sauce. Perfect served over pancakes or ice cream, with yoghurt.
1kg apples, peeled, cored and diced, from Divine Fruit
4 cups blueberries, from Flame Lily Orchard
¼ cup sugar
¼ cup water
1 lemon, peel and juice, from Riverside Growers
1 tsp vanilla
¼ tsp salt
Place all the ingredients in a large pot and bring to a simmer. Cook until the apples are soft (20–25 minutes).
Fish out the lemon peels, then use an immersion blender to puree the applesauce to desired consistency. If the sauce is too thick, add a little extra water. If the sauce is too thin, simmer uncovered over medium low heat until desired consistency.
Portion the apple sauce into hot sterilised jars and seal. Or cool in the fridge before portioning and freezing.
