Wash, core, peel and slice apples. If desired, slice apples into water containing ascorbic acid (lemon juice) to prevent browning, about 1 tsp per gallon. Place drained slices in an 8-10 quart pot. Add water. Cook apples over medium high heat, covered, until tender - stirring occasionally to prevent burning (5 to 20 minutes, depending on maturity and variety).
Press through a sieve or food mill, or skip the pressing step if you prefer chunk-style sauce. Return to pot.
Add the remaining ingredients and cook for 5-10 more minutes or until the desired consistency is achieved. Serve warm or chilled. Makes about 1 quart.
If canning the sauce, fill jars with hot sauce, leaving ½ inch head space. Adjust lids and process - 15 minutes for pints and 20 for quarts, at sea level, in water bath. For pressure canning - 6 pounds pressure for 8 minutes for pints or quarts