- 1 lb Gala apples
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon finely grated fresh lemon zest
- 1/8 teaspoon cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons Calvados
- Peel and core apples, then cut into 1-inch pieces. Bring apples, water, sugar, zest, and cinnamon to a boil in a 2-quart heavy saucepan, stirring occasionally, then reduce heat and simmer, covered, 15 minutes.
- Remove lid and simmer until most of liquid is evaporated, 5 to 10 minutes. Add Calvados and simmer, stirring occasionally, 1 minute. Mash apples with a potato masher or a fork to a coarse sauce, then cool.