I use an old fashioned masher to mash it all up. It makes it kinda chunky, the longer you cook your apples, the less chunky they will be.
I cut these up into bite size pieces, and put it on high to bring it to a boil. I added a little bit of water to the bottom, you don't need much. Then had them boiling for 30 - 40 minutes, then took it off the heat to mash up. YUMMY!!!!
You can also bring it to a boil, then turn the heat down to simmer and cook until tender enough to mash. I also sometimes will just put it all in the crock pot and slow cook it all day. Makes the house smell super yummy!
If you do decide you want to put sugar in, if you use a big huge pot like I did, you will want to add about 1/2 cup at a time. If you only make a small pot, I would add maybe 1/4 cup at a time. Just keep adding sugar until it's the desired taste you want.
Enjoy!!!