Each Fall, my family tries to get to a local pumpkin patch and also to a regionally-famous apple farm. My cousin used to work at the apple farm’s store, and she broke the news to us that they don’t actually grow the apples they use for their caramel apples and that their “home baked” pies are delivered in a refrigerated truck. They sit on a throne of lies. BUT, they make delicious chili in a bread bowl, so we still go back there every Fall.
Warm, spicy applesauce is a simple way to add some genuine fall goodness to your day! I don’t have a recipe for this applesauce, so much as a ridiculously easy procedure. You can add ingredients in whatever quantity suits your taste. I like really cinnamon-y, chunky applesauce, so I went heavy on the spice and light on the cook time.
To make crockpot applesauce, you will need:
6-7 apples
cinnamon
brown sugar
water
I picked up a bushel of Michigan apples at the fruit market. I think they were Cortland, but don’t quote me on that. If you want smoother textured applesauce, choose a red variety. For chunkier applesauce, use a baking apple, like Granny Smith.
Step 1: Peel, core, and slice the apples.
Step 2: Chop the apples. The smoother you would like the applesauce to be, the smaller you should chop your apples. I was going for a chunky applesauce, so I only chopped each slice in half.
Step 3: Add the apples into the crockpot with some cinnamon, brown sugar, and 3/4 cup of water. I used too much brown sugar (about 2 T.) for these apples. If you are using sweeter apples, like I did, you can get away with not adding any sugar at all. My finished sauce tasted more like apple pie filling than applesauce.
Not that that’s a bad thing.
Step 4: Cook the apple mixture on high for 4-6 hours. This is what the apples looked like after about 2 1/2 hours.
Step 5: When the apples are done to your desired consistency, mash them with a potato masher or large fork. If you want smooth sauce, you can puree the sauce in a blender or food processor.
Step 6: Cool slightly and serve.
Homemade applesauce is very affordable and makes a comforting snack to welcome your kids home from a day at school!
What are your family’s special Fall traditions?
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Thanks, Jessica Hill
