I love this time of year in North Carolina. APPLES! This week we went to an apple orchard and bought a huge bag of "seconds". These are apples that are either too small, have fallen off of the tree or have an imperfection. They are really reasonably priced this way and I have yet to find a rotten one. My kids eat applesauce almost daily so I plan on making a LOT for this next winter. Here's what I do- first I wash them of course and then I use one of these handy dandy peelers that I have had for years.
It is so easy to use and also easy to clean. I also use my crockpot. I cut up enough apples to completely fill it up to the lid! Then I sprinkle it with cinnamon and nutmeg. I'm trying to get away from using a lot of white sugar so the batches I have been making have been sugar free except for the natural sugars. When making applesauce it is best to use a mix of sweet apples. I used Fuji, Gala, and Honey Crisp. After that I turn it on and let it cook for about 4-6 hours stirring only occasionally.
I LOVE making applesauce like this as after throwing the ingredients in the pot, I virtually do not have to do a thing until it is done! This leaves time to work on the kids online spelling lessons or on their grammar as currently we are working on dividing root words.
After it is cooked I have done it two ways. For chunky applesauce all I have done is use a spoon and a potato masher. This makes a really chunky applesauce. Last night I decided to do a smooth version and put it in my blender. I'm still trying to figure out which way I like best as both versions are so good!
Next I have been putting my applesauce in mason jars and use a water bath canner. It would also work to freeze the applesauce and thaw it as you need it. Making applesauce this way is so easy and the sauce is so much healthier than the store bought as the only ingredients are apples, cinnamon, and nutmeg!
Next week Z~girl and I will be making apple butter which is just as easy, it just has to cook a lot longer.
It is so easy to use and also easy to clean. I also use my crockpot. I cut up enough apples to completely fill it up to the lid! Then I sprinkle it with cinnamon and nutmeg. I'm trying to get away from using a lot of white sugar so the batches I have been making have been sugar free except for the natural sugars. When making applesauce it is best to use a mix of sweet apples. I used Fuji, Gala, and Honey Crisp. After that I turn it on and let it cook for about 4-6 hours stirring only occasionally.
I LOVE making applesauce like this as after throwing the ingredients in the pot, I virtually do not have to do a thing until it is done! This leaves time to work on the kids online spelling lessons or on their grammar as currently we are working on dividing root words.
After it is cooked I have done it two ways. For chunky applesauce all I have done is use a spoon and a potato masher. This makes a really chunky applesauce. Last night I decided to do a smooth version and put it in my blender. I'm still trying to figure out which way I like best as both versions are so good!
Next I have been putting my applesauce in mason jars and use a water bath canner. It would also work to freeze the applesauce and thaw it as you need it. Making applesauce this way is so easy and the sauce is so much healthier than the store bought as the only ingredients are apples, cinnamon, and nutmeg!
Next week Z~girl and I will be making apple butter which is just as easy, it just has to cook a lot longer.
I FORGOT to add that I sprinkle a little lemon juice on the apples after they are cut up. :)
ReplyDeleteThe orchard here doesn't sell it's seconds, they keep them and make cider. I know because I asked if I could get some to do the same thing! lol.
ReplyDeleteThis year the drought hit everyone so hard it's looking like even the orchards are going to have very few apples, though. :(