Homemade Applesauce

Wow, if I knew how easy it was to make homemade applesauce, I would have been doing this a LONG time ago.  I love to use applesauce in place of oil in recipes to save on fat and calories (plus, I think it makes quick bread more moist).  My daughter also loves applesauce, so I'm happy to have a stash of this in the freezer now.

Easy peasy!

Start by peeling and coring all of your apples.  I used about 12 medium size apples for this batch.

Toss all of your apples in a stockpot. I like to put some lemon juice in mine to keep them from browning but you don't have to do this.

Add approximately 1/2-1 cup of water to pot and boil until tender.  My family prefers unsweetened applesauce but you could add sugar to taste.  Cinnamon is also a nice addition.  You can even add cinnamon red hot candy to make it a pretty pink color.  Make sure your water does not completely evaporate or you will end up with burned apples on the bottom (ask me how I know this).

Store in a freezer safe container and pop into the freezer to pull out when you're ready to use it!

What to do with APPLES, part 2!

So, I'm still working on getting through my 2 huge bags of apples.  My daughter wouldn't eat the last batch of applesauce I made because it wasn't the right color.  It was more of a brownish color than yellow because the apples had turned brown.  This time, I covered them in lemon juice and cooked them on the stove rather than the crockpot.  Because my daughter does not like chunky applesauce, I put them in the blender once the apples had cooled.  Hint:  Do NOT overblend your applesauce or you will end up with baby food!  Despite the fact that the applesauce was more like baby food, it was yellow and it tasted pretty good.  I actually got my daughter to try this batch but she definitely prefers the stuff from the jar at the grocery store. 

What else have I been baking with apples?

Applesauce Bread--This was yummy topped with cinnamon butter!

Caramel Apple Cake

 

Apple Dumpling Dessert

All 3 of these dishes were delicious!  I just recently discovered Lynn's Kitchen Adventures and I have enjoyed all of the recipes I have tried from her website.  I will definitely be making more of her delicious meals and desserts.

What to do with APPLES!

Last week my family had the opportunity to go apple picking.  We picked 2 bags full of apples.  The picture above shows what is still left--and that's after I put a major dent in our apple supply.  Because we had so many apples to use, I spent quite a bit of time searching for recipes and ideas, including how to freeze apples.  Here's what I've come up with so far:

Homemade Applesauce--I tossed about 10 peeled, cored apples in the crockpot with 1/3 cup of sugar and let them simmer for about 3 hours on high.  I then used a fork to mash the apples.  Yummy!

Apple Pie

Caramel Apple Muffins

Apple Spice Bars

Fried Apples--Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a pan.  Add sliced, unpeeled apples to pan.  Season to taste with brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg and allspice.  Yummy!



 Mini Apple Pocket Pie--I made a double batch of pie dough for this recipe and cut it into 3 1/2 inch circles using Pampered Chef's Cut 'N Seal.  I then sauteed peeled, chopped apples in butter with sugar, cinnamon and nutmeg.  I added about a tablespoon of the apple mixture onto the center of the pie dough circle, folded over and sealed with the Cut N Seal.  I brushed with an egg yolk/water egg wash.  I flash froze these and baked some at 425 degrees for 16-20 minutes.  

 

Apple Prints--I had to throw an art project in there for my daughter.  I cut one apple in half horizontally and one in half vertically to create different patterns (vertical gives an apple outline, horzontal forms a star pattern in the center of the print).  We found it easiest to paint the apple lightly and push with a good deal of pressure to get the best print.

I still have a bunch of apples to use so I would LOVE to hear your ideas, recipes and craft projects using apples!