I recently went apple picking with friends and needed to process a crap ton of apples. After all the work of picking perfect apples. I got to check out and they literally had half bushels for $5 that had slight imperfections. Translation? I couldn't not buy them and they were perfect for applesauce. And the best discovery? You can freeze homemade applesauce in freezer bags. I usually always use quart size and portion 1-2 servings per bag I plan to freeze. It stacks well to save space.
Crockpot Applesauce
Serves several
Ingredients
A lot of apples
Half a bag of real cranberries (fresh or frozen)
1 T lemon juice
1 tsp vanilla
Decent sprinkle of cinnamon
1/4 C water
Slice your apples to desired consistency If you want more chunky cinnamon apples rather than applesauce - you can chunk apples. Makes for a good mock apple crisp if you top with granola. Also makes a nice oatmeal topper. If I want chunky applesauce, I use my fun apple slicer, corer, and peeler contraption - though I usually keep the peels on. And if I want my applesauce runny, I cook longer, and may even use the immersion blender to get a smooth consistency. All depends what I'm in the mood for.
Fill the crockpot to the brim with apples. Add other ingredients. Turn on low for 4 hours or high for 2. If you want more cinnamon apple consistency don't cook as long and they will still look like apples.
Enjoy!
