• 6 red apples , such as McIntosh or Red Delicious
• 1/4 cup apple juice
• 1 stick cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons firmly packed light brown sugar
• Pinch of salt

Cut apples into quarters; do not remove skin or seeds. Place in a 4-quart saucepan, along with apple juice and cinnamon stick. Bring to a boil over high heat, then cover and reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer, stirring occasionally, until apples are very tender, 10 to 15 minutes.

Stir in sugar and salt and continue cooking until sugar dissolves. Discard cinnamon stick.

Press apple mixture through a sieve or food mill set over a large bowl; discard skin and seeds. Add more sugar, if desired. Serve warm.