An apple a day...

There is nothing better than living in upstate New York during the fall.  The changing leaves are a sight to be seen; like something out of the movies.  The vibrant reds, oranges and yellows will stop you in your tracks.  You have to wonder how anything can be so beautiful… 

But as gorgeous as the views are, the smells are even better.  You can’t walk out your door in our town without the smell of apples wafting over you.  The reds, greens and yellows that I see everyday in the orchard across the street from my house call my name and I feel like Snow White being drawn to the apples…  And no, I don’t have an evil step mother trying to kill me because I am the fairest in the land (even though I am – hehe.)  It’s just that apples are a fantastic and very versatile fruit, and so I can see how she would have a hard time turning one down.  I mean really. You can juice them, bake them, eat them plain, cook with them, dry them, decorate with them, and they are so chock full of fiber that your tummy and your colon will thank you!!  I love to bake pies, but all the sugar and butter (and yes, you HAVE to use real butter or else don’t even bother!) make it so bad for you, that even though your taste buds will be in ecstasy, your thighs will not be so forgiving…  So now my favorite thing to make with my apples is applesauce.  Not quite the same as a homemade apple pie, but you can totally over-indulge on this without breaking your scale. You can even leave out the sugar, and it is still just as good. Also, my recipe uses the crock pot, and so your house will smell phenomenal for hours! It’s a win-win in my book!

I am so blessed that I can get free apples from my in-laws (after all, this blog is supposed to be about how I am saving pennies,) but even if you can’t get free apples, they are in season now, and really aren’t that expensive in the supermarket.  If you are even thinking that you could just buy applesauce at the store, then you have obviously never had homemade applesauce.  Most people do have a recipe for it, but they usually use the stovetop and so you have to be there constantly to make sure it doesn’t burn.  That’s why this recipe is the best – 4 ingredients and you are on your way to heaven!!

Okay now, brace yourself – apples, water, sugar and cinnamon.  That’s it! I usually double my batches, then can the leftovers, but for a single recipe you will need:

8 apples

1 ½ cups water

1 tsp cinnamon

½ cup granulated sugar (optional)

You will need to peel and slice your apples - it doesn't matter what size you leave them, they will all mush up together anyways!

Once that is done, add your water, sugar and cinnamon to the crock pot, then pile the apples on top.  Voila!! Could that be any easier??  Depending on how you like your applesauce (chunky or pureed) you can cook on high for 4 or 6 hours, or low for 8 to 10.  The apples will literally turn to applesauce on their own, you don't have to do anything but stir it a few times at the end.  Then longer you cook it, the mushier it will get.

I can mine so they will last longer, but it always gets eaten right up anyways!  It's a healthy snack for the kids, but sweet enough to count as dessert!!