Homemade Applesauce

Applesauce. It's one thing to like store bought applesauce, but when you can make it fresh at home, there is just no comparison. What a delicious, simple, healthy treat that can be used in so many ways. A nurse I work with gave me this idea a while back, and I am forever grateful! I make this all the time now, and I can't believe I never did this earlier in life. So here is the simple story!

Start with somewhere around 8 small-medium apples. You can do less for a small batch, or more if you have a large family. I like to use organic gala apples for this. First I start by peeling all the apples. Next, slice all the apples in half, then core and cut them into chunks. Add enough water  your crock pot just to cover the bottom, maybe 1/2-3/4 inch deep. Add the apple chunks and sprinkle with your desired amount of cinnamon and maybe a little nutmeg. I like a lot of cinnamon in mine, so I probably use about 1 1/2 - 2 TBSP, and then around 1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg.  
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Heat on low for about 4 hours, or high for 2 hours. At that point, use a whisk and stir the apples to break them up once they are soft. I like to mix it just enough so it still has some chunks left.... sooooo yummy.  :-)

Divide servings into containers and store in fridge for up to one week. You can also freeze some for several weeks... this works out fine if you want to make a big batch and save some for later!

 This is so delicious just as a snack by itself, or you can use it in the ways shown below.
-Top with some cottage cheese or Greek yogurt and sprinkle with some crushed pecans
-Make waffles or pancakes using the 2-ingredient pancake recipe and top with homemade apple sauce and some crushed walnuts
-And if you're REALLY treating yourself, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top (gasp!)  :-)  (This pic not shown so I don't temp anyone with a weakness... haha!)

ENJOY!