It’s Apple Season – Let’s Make Some Applesauce

    I love summer, but I also love fall! The smell, the cooler temperatures, the amazing foliage, the candy (oh the candy,) and of course, the apples! Regular apples, candy apples, and applesauce!

    Liam is such a picky eater, but one thing he loves is apples. Our dogs love apples too, and they’re actually great for them. Did you know that apples are a natural (and easy) way to brush your dog’s teeth? They’re also great fiber and full of vitamins A and C. (Just make sure the core and seeds are gone, as this could choke them.) 

 

Home made applesauce is a family favorite

    In our house, hands down, applesauce is a favorite. A couple years ago, I found a super easy recipe, and it’s loved by my entire family, parents, and in-laws as well. This year, I thought I’d share it with all of you. So let’s get started!

(Bear with me, because I’m a throw together cooker. Which means, I don’t follow exact recipes per say.)

What you need

   Apples of course! How many? Well, depending on size, I’d say 10 to 12. Enough to almost fill a 10 quart cooking pot. You want room to stir and such. What kind? Any kind you like! I like to use McIntosh and then a sweeter apple like Pink Lady or Gala. It’s all up to you! Now, peel up all those apples, then core and slice. If you have an apple slicer, it takes very little time.

Now what?

    Okay, you’re all peeled and sliced, so now, just throw them in your pot. Next you will add some liquid. This part depends on your preference. (I have made it all three ways, and it’s great no matter what you use.) You will need to add a cup of either water, apple juice, or apple cider. The choice is yours. (It’s cheaper to use water and tastes just as yummy, so if you’re on a budget, water is perfect!)

    Now that you’ve got your apples and liquid, you need to sweeten it up. You will need a half cup of sugar. You can use regular sugar, or brown sugar. Again, the choice is yours. Both taste amazing. The only difference really is the color it turns your applesauce. If you want a lighter sauce, then use the white sugar. For a darker sauce, then use the brown sugar. (If making baby food, or if you just want a healthier applesauce, then feel free to omit the sugar all together!)

    Cinnamon is next! You can leave it out if you want a more natural flavor. (My husband likes plain, whereas Liam and I are all about the cinnamon. Like I said, I don’t measure. Just dust in as much cinnamon as you like. You can also add some ground cloves and nutmeg if you’d like. 

 

Time to cook

    That’s it! Now just give it a stir around, and then let it simmer over medium heat. It will be ready in about twenty-five minutes. The next step depends on how you like your applesauce. I like mine a bit chunky, so I either use a masher, or a hand food processor. It breaks down the apples but still leaves some chunks in it. My husband and Liam prefer a smoother applesauce, so for them, I put it in a blender and blend it up. (This is perfect for babies as it comes out so smooth. That’s it. Just put it in jars or containers and store in your fridge. I even freeze some for later times so it keeps longer.

Rosy Applesauce

    Ever have Rosy Applesauce? Hubby and I love it, and it’s so easy to make. Kids tend to like the pink, reddish color, as well as the taste. All you need are some cinnamon red hots. When you’re cooking down your apples, simply add a small container to your apple mix. OR you can just easily purchase applesauce, heat it up, and pour in the candies to melt. Voila! Rosy Applesauce.

    Now matter how you your applesauce, I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as my family does. Happy Halloween, and Happy Autumn everyone!