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  Prepare the apples. You can peel them or leave the peel on for more fibre and colour. If using a high speed blender to puree it you can't detect the peel at all. If this recipe is intended to be used as baby food then you need to peel them.
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  Core and roughly slice or chop the apples then add to a large saucepan. Pour in the water and add the cinnamon. Adjust the cinnamon depending on how present you want the flavour to be.
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  Cook the apples. Cover with a lid, bring to a simmer, and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 30 minutes, or until very soft.
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  Turn off the heat and let cool slightly so it's not scalding hot, then add the optional vanilla, and taste to see if you need to add a little sugar. This isn't usually necessary unless the apples are particularly tart, and don't add sugar if this is intended to be used as baby food.
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  Puree the apples. Use a potato masher, food processor, immersion blender, or highspeed blender to puree the apple to the consistency you like/need. Choose your tool depending on the consistency you like. For instance a potato masher will make chunky applesauce whereas a highspeed blender will make very smooth apple sauce, and an immersion blender or food processor will be somewhere in between.

Instant Pot Instructions (6 quart or larger)

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  Add apples, water, and cinnamon to your Instant Pot and cook on high pressure for 5 minutes. Let the pressure release naturally then use an immersion blender or potato masher in the pot to mash/blend the apples to the consistency you like. Add any optional vanilla or sugar to taste.

Slow Cooker Instructions

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  Add apples, water, and cinnamon to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 4 to 5 hours. Use an immersion blender or potato masher in the pot to mash/blend the apples to the consistency you like. Add any optional vanilla or sugar to taste.