Chunky Spiced Applesauce à la Mode inspired by Baby Boom
Though it feels like there are more new holiday movies than ever this year, sometimes a classic movie is exactly what’s needed to get in the holiday spirit. BABY BOOM, though not a holiday-specific movie, brings all the snug feels with its autumn and winter scenes, snow, and picturesque Vermont. We’re still technically in fall, so let’s enjoy it for as long as we can!
In romantic comedy BABY BOOM (1987), J.C. Wiatt (Diane Keaton) is a smart businesswoman in New York City who’s about to make partner when a relative dies and names her as his baby’s caretaker. Her work setting is unfriendly toward working women, insisting that no one can have it all and that something’s got to give.
J.C. becomes attached to the baby and after being slowly edged out by the men at her company, she leaves her job to escape to rural Vermont. Her new life in Vermont looks idyllic, complete with a charming (though at first troublesome) house, a fruit orchard, and a handsome veterinarian love interest. Missing her fast-paced New York City lifestyle, she makes applesauce baby food to keep herself busy. When dropping off a fresh batch to the local grocer, her jars of baby food are discovered by a group of tourists who give her the idea to turn her hobby into a business. Soon enough, J.C.’s business is booming and she’s happier than she’s ever been, both career wise and on a personal level.
Diane Keaton is comedy gold – she brings both empathy and slapstick humor to a role showcasing the wide-ranging emotions that come with being a working mother (and there’s a memorable and hysterical meltdown scene that she so flawlessly pulls off). We believe her as a sharp-suited Park Avenue “Tiger Lady,” but also as an applesauce-making mother donning thick knit socks and turtlenecks. The two aren’t mutually exclusive. J.C. Wiatt doesn't have to choose work over family or family over work. She can do it all. Women can do it all.
This Chunky Spiced Applesauce à la Mode is a spicier, more textured version of J.C.’s smooth applesauce. With sliced apples, spices, and maple syrup (which is only fitting, since the town hosts an annual Maple Syrup Festival), this chunky applesauce is warming and cozy on both autumn and winter evenings. By not adding too much maple syrup, the slight tartness of the applesauce is offset by the sweetness of the ice cream. A little tart, a little sweet…just like J.C.
Tools: Peeler, saucepot, spatula | Serves: 2 | Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Chunky Spiced Applesauce Ingredients
4-5 apples, peeled and sliced
1 cup water
½ teaspoon ground ginger
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
½ teaspoon ground clove
1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon maple syrup (if you prefer dessert on the sweeter side, add an extra 2 tablespoons)
2 scoops ice cream
Method
1. Combine apples, water, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, clove, and maple syrup in a saucepot and bring to a boil.
2. Once boiling, bring down to a low simmer and let the apples cook for 50-60 minutes. Stir occasionally, and keep an eye on the water level.
3. When the water evaporates completely, stir the apples and let them roast on the hot saucepot bottom for a couple minutes to let the sugars caramelize (creating the gorgeous deep brown hue). If the apples still need time to soften, add ½ cup more water into the pot and continue simmering.
4. Once the apples are soft, use a spatula or fork and mash a quarter of the apples. Leave most of the apples whole and intact.
5. Remove the applesauce from the heat and set aside.
6. Scoop ice cream into a bowl and serve the hot applesauce on top, bottom, or on the side. Enjoy!