Apples, Apples Everywhere!

It’s autumn here in Seattle. Everywhere around us the leaves are turning vibrant oranges and reds as they fall. Football season is underway. Halloween is around the corner…and, apples are everywhere!  Everyone in my family just loves the taste and convenience of apples. I like them too because they keep so long in the refrigerator and can be used in so many recipes!

To celebrate the autumn season, I’d like to share one of my family’s favorite apple recipes - Slow Cooker Applesauce. It’s very versatile as a side dish with warm bread on those crisp fall mornings or with pork chops for a hearty dinner!

SLOW COOKER APPLESAUCE

4 lbs Granny Smith apples (McIntosh apples are good for this too)

½ cup granulated sugar

1 ½ tsp ground cinnamon

½ cup water

2 lemons, juiced and separated

Fill a large mixing bowl about 2/3 full with cool water and juice from one lemon. In a small mixing bowl combine ground cinnamon and sugar.

Peel, core and dice apples, and place into mixing bowl filled with water and lemon juice. Once all apples are prepared, pour apples into a colander, and then into a slow cooker. Pour the cinnamon and sugar mixture over the apples and mix by hand to be sure that all the apples are coated.

In a small mixing bowl combine the ½ cup of water with the juice of the second lemon. Pour this mixture over the apples.

Cook on low in the slow cooker for approximately 6 hours or on high for approximately 3 hours, until soft.

Pour into a blender and mix on low speed until the sauce is smooth. Pour into sterilized jars or freezer bags and place in the freezer.

I hope you enjoy this easy recipe as much as we do at my house! Until next time…

Kathy

PS.  If you would like to learn more about the different apple varieties, there is a really comprehensive article by Debra Frick about apples on the web.