Every year our Braeburn and Gala apple trees dump a bunch of delicious apples on us.  This is not the plain applesauce which we like as well but the dressed up version that we like best.  If the apples are really sweet, I will decrease the sugar.

5 lbs apples peeled, cored and sliced which should be around 15 cups
2 1/2 c water (add more water if needed to make it less thick)
1 c packed brown sugar
3/4 c lemon juice
3 Tbsp lemon peel optional
2 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp ground nutmeg
1 Tbsp vanilla

1. Combine in large pan everything but the vanilla.  Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for at least one hour till apples are very soft.  Using an immersion blender or a potato masher, mash up all the apples till desired consistency.  You can also do batches in a blender.
2. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla.
3. Pour into sterilized canning jars and secure with lids.  Put in boiling water bath for as long as needed for altitude.  For us that is 30 minutes for a quart or 20 minutes for a pint.  Or just eat the applesauce straight away!