Even after simmering all night (and waking up a couple times to stir...I was so afraid it'd scorch while I slept) the sauce was still pretty thin.  It smells divine, though...and suspect it will taste just as good.  I didn't have any tomato paste in the house to add, so I canned it as is.  I read somewhere that while you shouldn't can with cornstarch, you can add it later when ready to use to thicken it up a bit, and that's just what we might try. 
thanks for the tips everyone!  BTW~ Tania (who commented), how do the apples come out with your strainer?  As runny and slushy as the tomatoes?   I like my applesauce a little chunky.  Perhaps your newer model has different attachments for different consistencies?  I'd love to know more/try more before deciding to purchase one for myself.  It did make super easy work of the tomatoes!
 
