Vanilla Bean Applesauce

Ingredients:

5 pounds ripe firm apples, peeled, cored, and quartered (we like Gala or Honeycrisp for this recipe)
1 cup apple cider, plus more as needed
1/4 cup light brown sugar, plus more as needed
1 large cinnamon stick
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger, plus more as needed
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 vanilla bean, split lengthwise and scraped

Directions

Combine all ingredients in a wide, heavy saucepan over medium heat. Cook, covered, stirring occasionally with a wooden spoon and adding more cider as needed to prevent scorching, until apples have broken down, about an hour. Mash any large pieces with the spoon. Add more sugar and spices, as desired. Remove from heat; discard cinnamon stick and vanilla pod, and serve warm.

*Adapted from marthastewart.com