In a 6-quart stockpot, combine the apples, cider, sugar, vanilla, candy red hots, and salt. Stir. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture comes to a boil, about 18 minutes. Reduce the heat to the lowest simmer and cook, uncovered, for 45 to 60 minutes, until the apples are soft.
Use a wire potato masher to mash the apples for the consistency you like: less for slightly chunky applesauce and more for smooth. Or use an immersion blender to make a smooth sauce. Pour into bowls and serve.
Cooking apples, like McIntosh or Empire, will make a sweeter sauce; add a tart apple, like Granny Smith, to make the flavor more complex. Depending on the type of apples used, the cook time will vary, so check after 40 minutes to determine how much longer to cook. The apples should be quite soft and easy to mash.
Different apples will also have different degrees of sweetness—remember that the red hots will also add a bit of sugar as well. You may wish to use slightly less than 3/4 cup sugar in the cooking process and taste after the sauce is mashed, adding a tablespoon or more as desired to the final product.
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