Are you still buying applesauce out of a jar? Stop it now! You’re better off throwing that GMO-ridden, high fructose corn syrup concoction out a window than actually eating it. Honestly, I’d rather you do anything with that applesauce instead of consuming it. Conventional applesauce is loaded with preservatives, refined sugars, and other chemicals you don’t want to eat. Besides, today’s homemade applesauce recipe is much easier (and tastier)!

Why Haven’t You Been Making Homemade Applesauce Already?

That’s the question you’ll be asking yourself after reading today’s recipe. Traditionally, applesauce requires hours of peeling and chopping applesauce, then letting this mixture cook on a slow simmer all day, which can become quite a arduous task for even the most passionate foodies. But thank goodness those Little House on the Prairie on long gone.

This recipe for homemade applesauce is foolproof because it makes use of your slow cooker. Simply chop up the apples, mix with the other ingredients, and let the apples breakdown into a sumptuous and delightful sauce. You can peel them if you want, but I like to leave the skin on for added nutrients and fiber.

Here’s another thought. Are you buying applesauce for your children? If so, this is even more reason to make homemade applesauce. The last thing you want is your child opening a container of GMO-ridden, refined sugar applesauce at lunch right? This homemade applesauce is great because you can easily make a few giant batches, then freeze in individual portions for lunches. For many school lunches, a frozen container of applesauce can also function as a cold pack for your child.

Homemade Applesauce Isn’t Just For Babies

Just because applesauce is usually something children eat, doesn’t mean us adults can’t indulge too! Try applesauce in any of the following dishes:

Top oatmeal, pancakes, waffles, crepes, and other hot starchy breakfast items with homemade applesauce instead of syrup or honey.

Mix applesauce into plain Greek yogurt and top with walnuts for your own, healthier version of apple cinnamon flavored yogurt.

Use applesauce as a kind of sauce for meats that tend to dry out like cooked chicken breast and boneless pork chops. You might want to let the sauce reduce a little longer on your stove top and add other ingredients like rosemary and sage for a play on sweet and savory.

Use applesauce instead of sugar and/or butter in certain baking recipes. Depending on the recipe, you can cut the sugar content by 1/3-1/2!

If you’re feeling adventurous and gluttonous this winter season, check out this recipe for applesauce macaroni and cheese (yes, macaroni and cheese).

I’ll end today’s short, but sweet post with this last story about the origins of this homemade applesauce recipe. In college, I had a great group of girlfriends who weren’t huge party animals like myself. We actually spent a lot of time enjoying nice wine and comparing recipes if you can believe it. Anyways, this recipe started with one of my friends who would make applesauce on cold winter nights. Over the years I’ve adapted the recipe for my slow cooker, adding different spices and seasonings as I deem fit. Regardless of how this recipe came about, it’s definitely a keeper 🙂

Photo credit via Flickr

